Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The Liberal Democratic Party, led by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has secured a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house of parliament after Sunday’s snap election. Photo: AFP

How Takaichi’s big win in Japan may complicate Beijing’s Taiwan policy

Taiwan’s opposition leader warns against ‘being reduced to a pawn in strategic competition’, urges efforts to prevent conflict in strait.

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Why China is worried Japan election may prompt change to pacifist constitution

China-Japan relations

Science

Chinese scientists help create ‘machine eye’ that may be faster than human sight

A new type of hardware inspired by the brain increases machine vision speed by four times, bringing revolutionary safety breakthroughs.

11 Feb 2026 - 12:00AMvideocam

China Economy

Green gambit sees China turn old oil pipeline into new carbon highway

Successful 27km trial unlocks vast carbon dioxide transport potential, bridging geographical gaps to accelerate a process seen as vital to large-scale decarbonisation.

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Hong Kong

Tools left on tracks cause hour-long Hong Kong MTR Island line disruption

Preliminary investigations show suspension may have been linked to engineering items left behind after track repairs.

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Focus

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

United States & Canada

Carney speaks to Trump after he demands half of bridge that Canada paid for

The US$4.7 billion bridge that links the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of Michigan is due to open this year.

19 minutes ago

The Gordie Howe International Bridge under construction. Photo: Reuters

United States & Canada

Developing | Shootings at school and home in Canada’s British Columbia leave 10 dead

Police say a suspect is among the dead and more than 25 people are injured in the town of Tumbler Ridge.

39 minutes ago

Economics

Japan’s wage squeeze undermines Takaichi’s ‘trickle down’ plans

Fresh labour ministry figures show the cost of living crisis is deepening, as inflation continues to outpace salary increases for workers.

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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.

Big Tech

China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI growth

The contract chipmaker’s profit falls short of analyst estimates amid ‘challenges’ brought on by memory supply crunch.

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China Business

Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

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Science

Will Musk’s moon pivot put SpaceX on collision course with China’s ambitions?

Elon Musk shifts short-term sights from Mars to the moon, where the race for prime space could pit his company against Chinese research base.

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Property

Country Garden shares edge up after it avoids fines over debt disclosures

Chinese developer says the delayed disclosure is due to ‘objective factors’, rather than a failure by the executives to properly discharge their duties.

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Health & Wellness

In his 80s, he can do 300 pull-ups in under 40 minutes. Even with a bad heart

Former oldest American Ninja Warrior competitor Charles Mammay reveals how he stays so fit and strong at 83 and his advice for others.

32 minutes agovideocam

Charles Mammay prepares to exercise in the obstacle course he built in the front garden of his home in Oak Island, in the US state of North Carolina, in 2025. Photo: Instagram/charlesmammay

Diplomacy

Beijing dominant partner in Russia-China relationship: US congressman Fallon

Lawmaker admits both countries have had a long strategic partnership, but world has now ‘seen that senior partnership shift’ to China.

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Society

Hong Kong enterprise for needy unable to set up new shop after government error

Tender exercise cancelled after erroneous power supply details sent to bidders by Housing Authority, leaving Agape Garden in limbo.

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Diplomacy

China, Trump targeted in House hearing on foreign influence in US non-profits

Claims made at Congressional hearing that network of foreign donors paid American advocacy groups billions to try to influence US policy.

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US President Donald Trump came in for criticism on Tuesday during a Congressional hearing on the influence of foreign funds in US politics. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

Feng shui advice for Monkeys for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

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

1 hour agovideocam

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

Politics

What Takaichi’s landslide victory could mean for Japan-South Korea ties

Japan’s conservative tilt has revived South Korean concerns of more nationalist policies that could reopen historical and security wounds.

3 hours agovideocam

Economy, Trade & Business

US seeks fair China competition, looks to realign Latin America ties

Scott Bessent says Washington wants to reduce security risks without decoupling from Beijing as it steps up engagement across Latin America.

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OPINION

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Letters

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Imran Khalid

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United States & Canada

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Feng shui advice for Sheep for luck in money and love in the Year of the Horse

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Open Questions series

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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.

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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.

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Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

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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.

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

Big Tech

China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI growth

The contract chipmaker’s profit falls short of analyst estimates amid ‘challenges’ brought on by memory supply crunch.

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Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

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Tech

Indonesia telco chief warns of digital colonisation, backs China open-source AI

Indonesian executives stress that localisation and sovereignty are key to AI adoption in the fast-growing Southeast Asian market.

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From left are Jean Iau, SCMP reporter; Jo Miyake, head of banking, Asia and Middle East, corporate and institutional banking at HSBC; Qian Shihong, chief strategy officer at Huawei Indonesia; Vikram Sinha, president director and CEO at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison; and Sean Yuan, vice president at Alibaba Cloud International and general manager of South Pacific Region, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group. Photo: SCMP

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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.

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China

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

Discover the characteristics of people born in the Year of the Horse and why the coming Year of the Fire Horse is so revered in Chinese culture. Find out your Chinese zodiac animal sign, learn about the ancient river race that decided the zodiac order, and uncover the real historical roots of the zodiac system.

8 Feb 2026 - 11:00AM

Business

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

7 Feb 2026 - 10:07AM

How Takaichi’s big win in Japan may complicate Beijing’s Taiwan policy

Taiwan’s opposition leader warns against ‘being reduced to a pawn in strategic competition’, urges efforts to prevent conflict in strait.

Why China is worried Japan election may prompt change to pacifist constitution

Chinese scientists help create ‘machine eye’ that may be faster than human sight

A new type of hardware inspired by the brain increases machine vision speed by four times, bringing revolutionary safety breakthroughs.

Green gambit sees China turn old oil pipeline into new carbon highway

Successful 27km trial unlocks vast carbon dioxide transport potential, bridging geographical gaps to accelerate a process seen as vital to large-scale decarbonisation.

Tools left on tracks cause hour-long Hong Kong MTR Island line disruption

Preliminary investigations show suspension may have been linked to engineering items left behind after track repairs.

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

Carney speaks to Trump after he demands half of bridge that Canada paid for

The US$4.7 billion bridge that links the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of Michigan is due to open this year.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Developing | Shootings at school and home in Canada’s British Columbia leave 10 dead

Police say a suspect is among the dead and more than 25 people are injured in the town of Tumbler Ridge.

Japan’s wage squeeze undermines Takaichi’s ‘trickle down’ plans

Fresh labour ministry figures show the cost of living crisis is deepening, as inflation continues to outpace salary increases for workers.

.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.

China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI growth

The contract chipmaker’s profit falls short of analyst estimates amid ‘challenges’ brought on by memory supply crunch.

Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

Will Musk’s moon pivot put SpaceX on collision course with China’s ambitions?

Elon Musk shifts short-term sights from Mars to the moon, where the race for prime space could pit his company against Chinese research base.

Country Garden shares edge up after it avoids fines over debt disclosures

Chinese developer says the delayed disclosure is due to ‘objective factors’, rather than a failure by the executives to properly discharge their duties.

In his 80s, he can do 300 pull-ups in under 40 minutes. Even with a bad heart

Former oldest American Ninja Warrior competitor Charles Mammay reveals how he stays so fit and strong at 83 and his advice for others.

Beijing dominant partner in Russia-China relationship: US congressman Fallon

Lawmaker admits both countries have had a long strategic partnership, but world has now ‘seen that senior partnership shift’ to China.

Hong Kong enterprise for needy unable to set up new shop after government error

Tender exercise cancelled after erroneous power supply details sent to bidders by Housing Authority, leaving Agape Garden in limbo.

China, Trump targeted in House hearing on foreign influence in US non-profits

Claims made at Congressional hearing that network of foreign donors paid American advocacy groups billions to try to influence US policy.

Feng shui advice for Monkeys for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

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

What Takaichi’s landslide victory could mean for Japan-South Korea ties

Japan’s conservative tilt has revived South Korean concerns of more nationalist policies that could reopen historical and security wounds.

US seeks fair China competition, looks to realign Latin America ties

Scott Bessent says Washington wants to reduce security risks without decoupling from Beijing as it steps up engagement across Latin America.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}As I see it | Outside its few red lines, China is the ultimate win-win country

Opinion | Jimmy Lai ruling shows Hong Kong’s resolve to uphold the rule of law

Letters | In Hong Kong, ‘animal-friendly’ should be the default setting

Opinion | New US-led minerals bloc renews pressure on Asia to pick sides

Editorial | Hong Kong’s new teacher certificate scheme will enhance education quality

Country Garden shares edge up after it avoids fines over debt disclosures

China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI growth

In his 80s, he can do 300 pull-ups in under 40 minutes. Even with a bad heart

Developing | Shootings at school and home in Canada’s British Columbia leave 10 dead

Does eating raw oysters put Hongkongers at risk of norovirus?

Green gambit sees China turn old oil pipeline into new carbon highway

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for Monkeys for luck in money, love and health

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

Feng shui advice for Sheep for luck in money and love in the Year of the Horse

5 horse-themed Chinese-language movies for the coming Year of the Horse

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.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

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.

China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI growth

The contract chipmaker’s profit falls short of analyst estimates amid ‘challenges’ brought on by memory supply crunch.

Chinese healthcare firms expand overseas to support growing expat community

Privately owned Distinct Healthcare plans to open a clinic in Dubai, while TCM group Gushengtang eyes 50 centres in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia telco chief warns of digital colonisation, backs China open-source AI

Indonesian executives stress that localisation and sovereignty are key to AI adoption in the fast-growing Southeast Asian market.

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.

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

Developing | Shootings at school and home in Canada’s British Columbia leave 10 dead

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

As I see it | Outside its few red lines, China is the ultimate win-win country