Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Who has the better chance of inheriting Trump’s Maga movement: Vance or Rubio?

Analysts say the American vice-president and secretary of state are trying to prove loyalty without becoming political liabilities.

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United States

China

82 killed in China’s worst coal mine accident for more than a decade

More than 100 survivors treated in hospital after the explosion in Shanxi and executives from the mining firm have been detained.

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Military

Is China building the world’s largest naval support ship?

Photos of a giant hull released by state-owned shipbuilder trigger speculation that the vessel will be used to supply carrier groups.

4 hours ago

Society

‘Let’s give it a try’: motion sickness no barrier for Hong Kong’s first astronaut

Lai Ka-ying says sheer willpower helped her pass parts of the gruelling selection process for China’s Shenzhou-23 mission.

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Science

Lai Ka-ying (left) will join the Shenzhou-23 mission as a payload specialist, alongside astronauts Zhu Yangzhu (centre) and Zhang Zhiyuan (right). Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying picked for space station mission

Transport

Screams as 10 hurt in ‘drop tower’ turbulence on Cathay flight from Brisbane

Passenger describes experience as similar to ‘free-falling from a drop tower’, with severe altitude drop just before meals served.

3 hours ago

Ambulances on stand-by at Hong Kong International Airport on Saturday morning after authorities received news of serious turbulence on Cathay flight 156. Photo: Handout

South Asia

Rubio renews US ties with India after Trump’s China visit

The US secretary of state called India a natural partner and invited PM Modi to the White House.

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Diplomacy

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

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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.

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Middle East

‘Something to say?’ US, Iran could be close to breakthrough in talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, while the Iranian foreign ministry said a draft deal might be close.

1 hour agovideocam

Children on a military vehicle during a public wedding ceremony in Tehran, Iran, on Monday. Photo: via Reuters

Diplomacy

Pakistani prime minister visits China amid ongoing Middle East peace drive

The two countries are also predicted to mark a significant diplomatic anniversary by further deepening their long-standing relationship.

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Science

Why China is looking to coal waste as a source of critical metals

China is leaning into its industrial strengths to extract germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium from fossil fuel.

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Diplomacy

Taiwan whiplash? How Trump’s blunt warning collides with a historic call offer

Plan to discuss US$14 billion arms package with island’s leader would anger Beijing and raise questions about US policy, analysts say.

23 May 2026 - 4:38PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way back from Beijing on May 15. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Politics

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

23 May 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a statement following her impeachment on February 7. Photo: Reuters

Society

Hong Kong’s astronaut to gather data using observatory created by local teams

Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying will collect data on greenhouse gas emissions using imaging equipment that is being hailed as world first.

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Politics

Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?

The State Council’s decision to decouple household registration from welfare services could have benefits for society as a whole, analysts say.

23 May 2026 - 5:00PM

Tech War

A cloud above the clouds: US, China jockey for position in computing space race

China could be a leading player in the new technological battlefield, but the US has a substantial lead in essential tools such as reusable rockets.

23 May 2026 - 9:00AMvideocam

Education

New pay model for native English-speaking teachers risks lowering standards: group

Head of association for teachers says shift to lower packages may lead to educators with less experience and motivation.

4 hours ago

Most public primary and secondary schools seeking NETs have decided to switch to the flexible scheme. Photo: Getty Images

China Economy

China told the solar industry to cut capacity. Firms built new factories anyway

Beijing has been striving to rein in severe overcapacity in the solar industry. But the sector is still plagued by illegal facilities, an insider says.

23 May 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Society

‘Chase your dreams’, Hong Kong’s first astronaut tells city’s young people

City leader congratulates Lai Ka-ying as I&T chief prepares to lead delegation to join send-off ceremony for Sunday’s Shenzhou-23 mission launch.

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OPINION

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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.

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Open Questions series

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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.

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Politics

Open Questions | Taiwan’s Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi and managing US ties

Kuomintang chairwoman says hostility towards mainland is a product of political engineering that does not reflect reality of Taiwan.

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China Economy

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

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China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

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Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s booming tech exports give Beijing ‘wind in its sails’ for Trump summit

The role of tech products in April’s trade data reflects how computing-related goods are a ‘new and important growth driver’ for exports.

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Chinese trade received a significant boost from the technology sector in April. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Banking & Finance

China’s property developers seek semiconductor salvation with chip side-hustles

Unprofitable real estate firms see shares soar after buying into silicon assets, and analysts weigh whether it is a safe bet or banking on a big bailout.

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China Business

China AI firms Zhipu, MiniMax to join Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index

Additions to the benchmark Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, increase the number of constituents to 93 as the bourse operator presses ahead with expansion to 100.

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Policy

China rejects claims of curbing US tech funding as Beijing pursues self-reliance

While reaffirming Beijing’s openness, the NDRC also stressed its support for home-grown AI and semiconductor industries.

2-MIN READ

Global Economy

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

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Science

China swaps Middle East oil for Xinjiang coal. What does it mean for the world?

With the war in Iran choking global oil supplies, China is tapping its 390 billion tonnes of coal reserves to build its own energy source.

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How a remote patch of Gobi Desert became central to China’s national security

A national energy and chemical hub being built on a 15,500 sq m site in the Gobi Desert is set to modernise coal mining.

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China Economy

Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

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Who has the better chance of inheriting Trump’s Maga movement: Vance or Rubio?

Analysts say the American vice-president and secretary of state are trying to prove loyalty without becoming political liabilities.

How Trump’s revenge tour against Republicans could backfire in the midterms

82 killed in China’s worst coal mine accident for more than a decade

More than 100 survivors treated in hospital after the explosion in Shanxi and executives from the mining firm have been detained.

Is China building the world’s largest naval support ship?

Photos of a giant hull released by state-owned shipbuilder trigger speculation that the vessel will be used to supply carrier groups.

‘Let’s give it a try’: motion sickness no barrier for Hong Kong’s first astronaut

Lai Ka-ying says sheer willpower helped her pass parts of the gruelling selection process for China’s Shenzhou-23 mission.

Hong Kong’s first astronaut Lai Ka-ying picked for space station mission

Screams as 10 hurt in ‘drop tower’ turbulence on Cathay flight from Brisbane

Passenger describes experience as similar to ‘free-falling from a drop tower’, with severe altitude drop just before meals served.

Rubio renews US ties with India after Trump’s China visit

The US secretary of state called India a natural partner and invited PM Modi to the White House.

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

.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.

‘Something to say?’ US, Iran could be close to breakthrough in talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism, while the Iranian foreign ministry said a draft deal might be close.

Pakistani prime minister visits China amid ongoing Middle East peace drive

The two countries are also predicted to mark a significant diplomatic anniversary by further deepening their long-standing relationship.

Why China is looking to coal waste as a source of critical metals

China is leaning into its industrial strengths to extract germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium from fossil fuel.

Taiwan whiplash? How Trump’s blunt warning collides with a historic call offer

Plan to discuss US$14 billion arms package with island’s leader would anger Beijing and raise questions about US policy, analysts say.

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

Hong Kong’s astronaut to gather data using observatory created by local teams

Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying will collect data on greenhouse gas emissions using imaging equipment that is being hailed as world first.

Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?

The State Council’s decision to decouple household registration from welfare services could have benefits for society as a whole, analysts say.

A cloud above the clouds: US, China jockey for position in computing space race

China could be a leading player in the new technological battlefield, but the US has a substantial lead in essential tools such as reusable rockets.

New pay model for native English-speaking teachers risks lowering standards: group

Head of association for teachers says shift to lower packages may lead to educators with less experience and motivation.

China told the solar industry to cut capacity. Firms built new factories anyway

Beijing has been striving to rein in severe overcapacity in the solar industry. But the sector is still plagued by illegal facilities, an insider says.

‘Chase your dreams’, Hong Kong’s first astronaut tells city’s young people

City leader congratulates Lai Ka-ying as I&T chief prepares to lead delegation to join send-off ceremony for Sunday’s Shenzhou-23 mission launch.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Chinese orchids bring a message of hope to Chelsea Flower Show

Macroscope | Can Europe and Asia break the grip of US bond markets?

As I see it | How China wins by avoiding war

Asian Angle | What the China-US stability pact means for Southeast Asia

Reflections | The earliest Chinese irons date back over 2,000 years. Here’s how they evolved

Rubio renews US ties with India after Trump’s China visit

‘Let’s give it a try’: motion sickness no barrier for Hong Kong’s first astronaut

‘Something to say?’ US, Iran could be close to breakthrough in talks

The fencing singer: Ryan Choi collaborates with Mirror’s Edan Lui on latest song

EU next? Israeli far-right minister Ben-Gvir banned from French territory

SCMP Best Bets: Sizzling Sakura can deliver again for punters at Sha Tin

My Take | Chinese orchids bring a message of hope to Chelsea Flower Show

Who has the better chance of inheriting Trump’s Maga movement: Vance or Rubio?

Hong Kong Soccer Sevens: West Ham Premier League hopeful popular on and off pitch

For third time in 8 days, India raises diesel and petrol prices

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

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}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.

Open Questions | Taiwan’s Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi and managing US ties

Kuomintang chairwoman says hostility towards mainland is a product of political engineering that does not reflect reality of Taiwan.

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

China’s booming tech exports give Beijing ‘wind in its sails’ for Trump summit

The role of tech products in April’s trade data reflects how computing-related goods are a ‘new and important growth driver’ for exports.

China’s property developers seek semiconductor salvation with chip side-hustles

Unprofitable real estate firms see shares soar after buying into silicon assets, and analysts weigh whether it is a safe bet or banking on a big bailout.

China AI firms Zhipu, MiniMax to join Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index

Additions to the benchmark Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, increase the number of constituents to 93 as the bourse operator presses ahead with expansion to 100.

China rejects claims of curbing US tech funding as Beijing pursues self-reliance

While reaffirming Beijing’s openness, the NDRC also stressed its support for home-grown AI and semiconductor industries.

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

China swaps Middle East oil for Xinjiang coal. What does it mean for the world?

With the war in Iran choking global oil supplies, China is tapping its 390 billion tonnes of coal reserves to build its own energy source.

How a remote patch of Gobi Desert became central to China’s national security

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

My Take | Chinese orchids bring a message of hope to Chelsea Flower Show

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