Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Saishiteng Mountain’s high altitude, dry weather and low light pollution make it one of the best stargazing spots on Earth. Photo: Ling Xin

China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain

Telescopes at the remote site are set to surpass Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in light-gathering power by the mid-2030s, scientists say.

4 hours ago

Opinion | Hong Kong’s first astronaut success is also a story of youth potential

Science

Diplomacy

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

Beninese government has contracted Chinese firms to create seaside development linking port to historic slave route and memorial sites.

6 hours agovideocam

Military

Beijing deploys new missiles matching Patriots opposite Taiwan

State broadcaster CCTV shows troops from the Fujian-based 73rd Army Group testing the new missiles in the Gobi Desert.

6 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

4 hours ago

Economy

A vessel transits the Panama Canal. China could move to build a rival waterway in Nicaragua, as it looks to counter pressure from the United States. Photo: Reuters

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Diplomacy

PLA says it will stay on ‘high alert’ after Dutch warship crosses Taiwan Strait

Beijing says the De Ruyter had made the transit days after an ‘illegal intrusion’ into its airspace near the disputed Paracel Islands.

6 Jun 2026 - 4:17PM

The Dutch frigate De Ruyter, pictured in Surabaya, Indonesia last month, is on a five-month tour of the Indo-Pacific.Photo: AFP

Banking & Finance

China will enhance regulation of programme trading: CSRC chairman

China’s top securities regulator says new measures needed to ‘prevent someone from abusing the technology’.

6 hours ago

Economics

Past failures haunt the Quad’s US$20 billion critical minerals push

The initiative aims to break China’s near-monopoly, but private-sector caution and a history of unfulfilled pledges stand in the way.

6 Jun 2026 - 1:00PMvideocam

International

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

In partnership with:

Cityscape Global

SERIES: Female icons in Chinese history

Who was Yang Guifei, the Chinese beauty blamed for toppling a dynasty?

One of ancient China’s ‘Four Beauties’, Yang besotted an emperor, was the target of a rebellion, and in death became a tragic romantic icon.

6 Jun 2026 - 12:45PM

A painting depicts Yang Guifei being attended to by a court maid. The princess, regarded as one of the “Four Beauties” of ancient China, has gone down in infamy for contributing to the end of the Tang dynasty. But is this point of view fair?

Tech

Chinese memory makers step up challenge to Korea’s chip champions

CXMT and YMTC are nearing public listings, giving China’s memory-chip sector fresh firepower in its pursuit of Samsung and SK Hynix.

6 Jun 2026 - 1:00PM

Politics

China bans 11 online activities under tighter rules to curb rumours, cyberbullies

New regulations for content creators unveiled as cyber police punish two web users for trolling village official over ‘gold’ earrings.

6 Jun 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Europe

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

The US defence chief also calls on European countries to do more to contribute to their defence, during a ceremony commemorating D-Day in France.

2 hours ago

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (centre) attends a ceremony to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings, in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, on Saturday. Photo: AP

Society

HK$69 million saved in first month after HK$2 fare scheme revamp

Welfare chief Chris Sun says fewer people are taking long-distance rides for short journeys.

2 hours ago

The HK$2 fare scheme was revamped in April following concerns over ballooning costs. Photo: Dickson Lee

China Economy

How China is cashing in on a global scramble for offshore oil and gas

Chinese firms dominate the global market for machinery used to extract offshore energy – a sector that is booming amid the Iran war.

6 Jun 2026 - 11:00AM

China Economy

As millions graduate, China urges SOEs, internet firms to offer more jobs

A record cohort of university graduates is entering a relatively weak Chinese job market.

6 Jun 2026 - 1:00PM

Society

Injured Mirror dancer Mo Li honours late father Reverend Derek Li at funeral

Dignitaries and public mourn pastor who was tireless supporter of his son’s recovery.

6 hours ago

Family members leave St Andrew’s Church with the coffin carrying late Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam. Photo: Elson Li

Entertainment

‘It’s the constant chase’: Beef stars on Gen Z vs millennial angst

Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton discuss their chemistry on Netflix’s Beef, Gen Z vs millennial tensions and how their bond shaped the show.

6 Jun 2026 - 6:15PMvideocam

Cailee Spaeny (left) and Charles Melton attend an event for season two of Netflix series Beef on May 15, 2026, in Burbank, California. Photo: TNS

Africa

WHO warns nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in Central Africa outbreak

The figure marks an increase of 100 cases and 20 deaths from Friday, amid growing concern over the scale of the epidemic.

6 Jun 2026 - 6:30PM

Football

Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals

12 officials, including team manager and press officer, have reportedly been denied entry for the tournament.

6 Jun 2026 - 7:00PM

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Opinion

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Europe

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

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Racing

SCMP Best Bets: Master can deliver Payment to punters at Sha Tin

4 hours ago

Science

China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain

4 hours ago

Europe

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

5 hours ago

Sport

China World Cup hopes pinned on Ma Ning, could ‘impartial’ ref oversee final?

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Hong Kong Economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy patrons threaten legal action over club changes

5 hours ago

Hong Kong

Gallery | Protest in Jerusalem, FIFA World Cup practice: pictures of the week

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East Asia

South Korean protesters demand ‘election re-run’ after ballot shortage

6 hours ago

Diplomacy

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

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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.

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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

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

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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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

Policy

What does Washington’s latest AI chip guidance mean for Chinese tech firms?

Beijing has criticised the move, but lawyers say the US document is more a clarification than a brand-new curb.

3-MIN READ

Tech

Chinese memory makers step up challenge to Korea’s chip champions

CXMT and YMTC are nearing public listings, giving China’s memory-chip sector fresh firepower in its pursuit of Samsung and SK Hynix.

3-MIN READ

China Business

With AI able to predict disease, can we treat ageing like a ‘bug’ in the system?

AI is transforming longevity as companies like METiS TechBio and Human Longevity use algorithms to combat ageing and predict health risks.

5-MIN READ

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

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

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

Diplomacy

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

6-MIN READvideocam

Science

How Chinese green tech and investment are reshaping the Central Asian landscape

As the belt and road pivots towards clean energy, Kazakhstan and its neighbours are emerging as top partners for Beijing-backed projects.

6-MIN READvideocam

China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain

Telescopes at the remote site are set to surpass Hawaii’s Mauna Kea in light-gathering power by the mid-2030s, scientists say.

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

Beninese government has contracted Chinese firms to create seaside development linking port to historic slave route and memorial sites.

Beijing deploys new missiles matching Patriots opposite Taiwan

State broadcaster CCTV shows troops from the Fujian-based 73rd Army Group testing the new missiles in the Gobi Desert.

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

PLA says it will stay on ‘high alert’ after Dutch warship crosses Taiwan Strait

Beijing says the De Ruyter had made the transit days after an ‘illegal intrusion’ into its airspace near the disputed Paracel Islands.

China will enhance regulation of programme trading: CSRC chairman

China’s top securities regulator says new measures needed to ‘prevent someone from abusing the technology’.

Past failures haunt the Quad’s US$20 billion critical minerals push

The initiative aims to break China’s near-monopoly, but private-sector caution and a history of unfulfilled pledges stand in the way.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

Who was Yang Guifei, the Chinese beauty blamed for toppling a dynasty?

One of ancient China’s ‘Four Beauties’, Yang besotted an emperor, was the target of a rebellion, and in death became a tragic romantic icon.

Chinese memory makers step up challenge to Korea’s chip champions

CXMT and YMTC are nearing public listings, giving China’s memory-chip sector fresh firepower in its pursuit of Samsung and SK Hynix.

China bans 11 online activities under tighter rules to curb rumours, cyberbullies

New regulations for content creators unveiled as cyber police punish two web users for trolling village official over ‘gold’ earrings.

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

The US defence chief also calls on European countries to do more to contribute to their defence, during a ceremony commemorating D-Day in France.

HK$69 million saved in first month after HK$2 fare scheme revamp

Welfare chief Chris Sun says fewer people are taking long-distance rides for short journeys.

How China is cashing in on a global scramble for offshore oil and gas

Chinese firms dominate the global market for machinery used to extract offshore energy – a sector that is booming amid the Iran war.

As millions graduate, China urges SOEs, internet firms to offer more jobs

A record cohort of university graduates is entering a relatively weak Chinese job market.

Injured Mirror dancer Mo Li honours late father Reverend Derek Li at funeral

Dignitaries and public mourn pastor who was tireless supporter of his son’s recovery.

‘It’s the constant chase’: Beef stars on Gen Z vs millennial angst

Cailee Spaeny and Charles Melton discuss their chemistry on Netflix’s Beef, Gen Z vs millennial tensions and how their bond shaped the show.

WHO warns nearly 500 confirmed Ebola cases in Central Africa outbreak

The figure marks an increase of 100 cases and 20 deaths from Friday, amid growing concern over the scale of the epidemic.

Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals

12 officials, including team manager and press officer, have reportedly been denied entry for the tournament.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Henry Nowak’s legacy should be bringing society together, not tearing it apart

Macroscope | The problem with Japan’s bid to strengthen energy security, supply chains

Opinion | What does a ‘strong, quiet, clear’ US mean for China and Asia?

Opinion | Can Malaysia’s unity government survive a state poll fight?

Reflections | Hong Kong principal’s Singapore disgrace highlights centuries-old standards

My Take | Henry Nowak’s legacy should be bringing society together, not tearing it apart

In D-Day speech, Hegseth urges Europe to counter ‘invasion’ of migrants

SCMP Best Bets: Master can deliver Payment to punters at Sha Tin

China wants to build the world’s largest astronomy base on Saishiteng Mountain

Pope Leo urges end to ‘polarising narratives’ on Spain visit

China World Cup hopes pinned on Ma Ning, could ‘impartial’ ref oversee final?

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy patrons threaten legal action over club changes

Gallery | Protest in Jerusalem, FIFA World Cup practice: pictures of the week

South Korean protesters demand ‘election re-run’ after ballot shortage

China is transforming historic African slave port into waterfront tourism magnet

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 | 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.

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.

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.

What does Washington’s latest AI chip guidance mean for Chinese tech firms?

Beijing has criticised the move, but lawyers say the US document is more a clarification than a brand-new curb.

Chinese memory makers step up challenge to Korea’s chip champions

CXMT and YMTC are nearing public listings, giving China’s memory-chip sector fresh firepower in its pursuit of Samsung and SK Hynix.

With AI able to predict disease, can we treat ageing like a ‘bug’ in the system?

AI is transforming longevity as companies like METiS TechBio and Human Longevity use algorithms to combat ageing and predict health risks.

‘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.

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

My Take | Henry Nowak’s legacy should be bringing society together, not tearing it apart

Exclusive | Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy patrons threaten legal action over club changes