Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The sun rises behind tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm, an island in Iran, on April 18. Photo: AP

China’s trade with Iran, Gulf states plunges as Hormuz crisis hits energy flows

But increased shipments from Russia, Malaysia and Indonesia help to partially offset the shortfall, official data shows.

7 minutes agovideocam

Which countries are most vulnerable as US imposes Persian Gulf blockade?

China energy security

China Economy

First tariffs, now war: how Asia is facing a second year of economic shocks

Global institutions forecast slower growth in Asia-Pacific this year, as the Iran war and tariff risks combine to disrupt global trade.

3 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Is Malacca Strait at risk from Hormuz ‘chain reaction’ after Iranian warning?

Chinese analyst says the Mideast crisis has made the world start ‘thinking about the security of shipping routes again’.

18 minutes agovideocam

Education

ESF administrator jailed for 25 months for accepting bribes to favour applicants

Fatimah Rumjahn accepted HK$640,000 from 13 parents and middle man to help them secure kindergarten places by tampering with admissions system.

31 minutes ago

Science

Chinese scientists say their “paper antenna” could ultimately be “suitable for the complex environment of ships”. Photo: AFP

Is this ‘paper antenna’ China’s gateway to widespread naval adoption of 5G?

China Economy

‘Not compromising quality’: why China’s C919 is falling behind on deliveries

Deliveries of the home-grown airliner billed to take on US, European competitors have been slow, with just three dispatched in the first quarter.

5 hours agovideocam

A domestically-produced C919 lands at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Photo: Handout

Science

China’s armed police mull riot control with zero human contact

The People’s Armed Police Force has shown how drones, uncrewed armoured vehicles and robot dogs could autonomously contain urban unrest.

7 minutes agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Exclusive | Pfizer, Amgen among 22 strategic firms eyeing Hong Kong expansion: source

Sixth batch under investment-attraction initiative to also feature Boehringer Ingelheim, Hengrui and HAYA, with DiDi and AutoFlight joining transport push.

1 hour ago

Business

How Hong Kong’s role as innovation hub helps healthcare and biotech firms

Government initiative OASES supports GSK and Tigermed as they expand clinical trials and collaboration in mainland China and beyond.

In partnership with:

OASES

Hong Kong has introduced a range of measures to nurture biotechnology start-ups and attract more clinical research projects as part of its plan to become a global health and medical innovation hub. Photo: Shutterstock

World

Hong Kong Sevens breaks records, Strait of Hormuz uncertainty: 5 weekend reads

From Iran’s effective low-cost missile to rugby fever in Hong Kong, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

2 hours ago

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz seems to be a tactic by Iran to gain leverage in future talks with the United States. Photo: EU/Coperniucus Sentinal-2 via Reuters

Politics

Vietnam and Philippines trust Japan. Why doesn’t Indonesia?

Analysts say Indonesia worries about its neutrality as Tokyo ramps up ties with the US and lags behind China on green investment.

1 hour agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong launches SkyCity marina project to drive tourism and yacht economy

Airport Authority invites global bids for 200-hectare marina to tap market expected to reach HK$352 billion by 2032.

57 minutes ago

Australasia

Man vs Mythos: Asian financial bodies sound alert on AI hacking model

Anthropic held back a wider release after finding Mythos was capable of discovering security holes that had gone undetected for years.

26 minutes ago

Mythos is highly skilled at cyber-security and hacking tasks, according to Anthropic. Photo: TNS

Science

China warns strong El Nino this year may worsen global fossil fuel crisis

National Climate Centre says higher temperatures and extreme weather could create ‘damaging loop’ that hits the climate and the economy.

20 Apr 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

A strong El Nino can increase the risk of floods and other extreme weather events. Photo: AFP

Economics

Rover and out? Japan pivots after US puts Lunar Gateway on ice

Japan’s space agency has invested at least US$78.5 million to build components for Nasa’s now-halted project.

29 minutes ago

Politics

Iran war escalates as Houthis threaten to sever Saudi oil exports

Targets reportedly include a Saudi pipeline to the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and a UAE export terminal at Fujairah, outside the Gulf.

4 hours ago

Banking & Finance

Liquid courage: Hong Kong fund pitches whisky as alternative investment

Fund pitches spirit as hedge and sees downturn as a rare entry point, citing emotional buying and shifting consumption trends.

43 minutes ago

Whisky has been gaining traction among wealthy investors seeking alternatives to traditional safe havens, according to an investment firm. Photo: Shutterstock

Middle East

Israel vows to level homes in Lebanon, counter threats with ‘full force’

Israel’s military unveils a map of its new southern ‘forward defence line’, days after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect.

21 minutes ago

Residents inspect damage at buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes, in Jibchit, southern Lebanon. Photo: AP

Society

‘Like charcoal’: Wang Fuk Court residents sift through ashes for belongings

Residents seek to recover belongings including a computer with family photos, with one bringing a metal detector to search for melted gold.

26 minutes ago

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.

20 Apr 2026 - 4:10AMvideocam

OPINION

Alice Wu

Opinion | Patriotism is not a business plan for the Northern Metropolis

6 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Chinese yuan slowly but surely cutting into US dollar dominance

20 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

Letters

Letters | Hong Kong must be more proactive on diversity in the civil service

5 hours ago

Mike Rowse

Opinion | Why Hong Kong is hitting pause on basketball betting

20 Apr 2026 - 5:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability push is long overdue

20 Apr 2026 - 6:45AM

Harry’s View | 20 Apr 2026

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1 minute ago

East Asia

Tsunami warning issued in Japan after magnitude-7.4 quake hits northeast

5 minutes ago

Asia

Video | Blaze destroys over 1,000 homes in Malaysian water village

This image made from video provided by Bernama TV shows a fire at a Malaysian coastal settlement in the Sandakan district of Sabah state on Borneo Island, Malaysia, Sunday, April 19, 2026. (Bernama TV via AP)

01:13

7 minutes ago

China Economy

China’s trade with Iran, Gulf states plunges as Hormuz crisis hits energy flows

26 minutes ago

Australasia

Man vs Mythos: Asian financial bodies sound alert on AI hacking model

31 minutes ago

Education

ESF administrator jailed for 25 months for accepting bribes to favour applicants

43 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

Liquid courage: Hong Kong fund pitches whisky as alternative investment

57 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong launches SkyCity marina project to drive tourism and yacht economy

59 minutes ago

Arts

Vietnamese-American’s war-themed art stirs painful parallels with clashes today

1 hour ago

Politics

Vietnam and Philippines trust Japan. Why doesn’t Indonesia?

1 hour ago

Diplomacy

Is Malacca Strait at risk from Hormuz ‘chain reaction’ after Iranian warning?

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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.

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What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

8 Apr 2026 - 11:10AMvideocam

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

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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.

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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 Business

China’s Hesai adds colour to lidar to help EVs level up in self-driving

Colour-capable sensors to ‘significantly enhance’ sensing, helping cars identify traffic lights, construction signs, Deutsche Bank says.

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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.

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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

Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun Hospital has for the first time in the city used a non-invasive ultrasound procedure to treat a Parkinson’s disease patient with uncontrollable tremors. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Many believed the transatlantic alliance could weather another term of Trump, but a year and a half on those hopes have largely faded.

19 Apr 2026 - 1:32AMvideocam

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

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

China’s trade with Iran, Gulf states plunges as Hormuz crisis hits energy flows

But increased shipments from Russia, Malaysia and Indonesia help to partially offset the shortfall, official data shows.

Which countries are most vulnerable as US imposes Persian Gulf blockade?

First tariffs, now war: how Asia is facing a second year of economic shocks

Global institutions forecast slower growth in Asia-Pacific this year, as the Iran war and tariff risks combine to disrupt global trade.

Is Malacca Strait at risk from Hormuz ‘chain reaction’ after Iranian warning?

Chinese analyst says the Mideast crisis has made the world start ‘thinking about the security of shipping routes again’.

ESF administrator jailed for 25 months for accepting bribes to favour applicants

Fatimah Rumjahn accepted HK$640,000 from 13 parents and middle man to help them secure kindergarten places by tampering with admissions system.

Is this ‘paper antenna’ China’s gateway to widespread naval adoption of 5G?

‘Not compromising quality’: why China’s C919 is falling behind on deliveries

Deliveries of the home-grown airliner billed to take on US, European competitors have been slow, with just three dispatched in the first quarter.

China’s armed police mull riot control with zero human contact

The People’s Armed Police Force has shown how drones, uncrewed armoured vehicles and robot dogs could autonomously contain urban unrest.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Pfizer, Amgen among 22 strategic firms eyeing Hong Kong expansion: source

Sixth batch under investment-attraction initiative to also feature Boehringer Ingelheim, Hengrui and HAYA, with DiDi and AutoFlight joining transport push.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Hong Kong’s role as innovation hub helps healthcare and biotech firms

Government initiative OASES supports GSK and Tigermed as they expand clinical trials and collaboration in mainland China and beyond.

Hong Kong Sevens breaks records, Strait of Hormuz uncertainty: 5 weekend reads

From Iran’s effective low-cost missile to rugby fever in Hong Kong, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Vietnam and Philippines trust Japan. Why doesn’t Indonesia?

Analysts say Indonesia worries about its neutrality as Tokyo ramps up ties with the US and lags behind China on green investment.

Hong Kong launches SkyCity marina project to drive tourism and yacht economy

Airport Authority invites global bids for 200-hectare marina to tap market expected to reach HK$352 billion by 2032.

Man vs Mythos: Asian financial bodies sound alert on AI hacking model

Anthropic held back a wider release after finding Mythos was capable of discovering security holes that had gone undetected for years.

China warns strong El Nino this year may worsen global fossil fuel crisis

National Climate Centre says higher temperatures and extreme weather could create ‘damaging loop’ that hits the climate and the economy.

Rover and out? Japan pivots after US puts Lunar Gateway on ice

Japan’s space agency has invested at least US$78.5 million to build components for Nasa’s now-halted project.

Iran war escalates as Houthis threaten to sever Saudi oil exports

Targets reportedly include a Saudi pipeline to the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and a UAE export terminal at Fujairah, outside the Gulf.

Liquid courage: Hong Kong fund pitches whisky as alternative investment

Fund pitches spirit as hedge and sees downturn as a rare entry point, citing emotional buying and shifting consumption trends.

Israel vows to level homes in Lebanon, counter threats with ‘full force’

Israel’s military unveils a map of its new southern ‘forward defence line’, days after a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect.

‘Like charcoal’: Wang Fuk Court residents sift through ashes for belongings

Residents seek to recover belongings including a computer with family photos, with one bringing a metal detector to search for melted gold.

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.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Patriotism is not a business plan for the Northern Metropolis

Editorial | Chinese yuan slowly but surely cutting into US dollar dominance

Letters | Hong Kong must be more proactive on diversity in the civil service

Opinion | Why Hong Kong is hitting pause on basketball betting

Editorial | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability push is long overdue

Tsunami warning issued in Japan after magnitude-7.4 quake hits northeast

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Blaze destroys over 1,000 homes in Malaysian water village

China’s trade with Iran, Gulf states plunges as Hormuz crisis hits energy flows

Man vs Mythos: Asian financial bodies sound alert on AI hacking model

ESF administrator jailed for 25 months for accepting bribes to favour applicants

Liquid courage: Hong Kong fund pitches whisky as alternative investment

Hong Kong launches SkyCity marina project to drive tourism and yacht economy

Vietnamese-American’s war-themed art stirs painful parallels with clashes today

Vietnam and Philippines trust Japan. Why doesn’t Indonesia?

Is Malacca Strait at risk from Hormuz ‘chain reaction’ after Iranian warning?

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 | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

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.

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?

China’s Hesai adds colour to lidar to help EVs level up in self-driving

Colour-capable sensors to ‘significantly enhance’ sensing, helping cars identify traffic lights, construction signs, Deutsche Bank says.

‘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.

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Many believed the transatlantic alliance could weather another term of Trump, but a year and a half on those hopes have largely faded.

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?

Exclusive | Pfizer, Amgen among 22 strategic firms eyeing Hong Kong expansion: source

How Hong Kong’s role as innovation hub helps healthcare and biotech firms

Opinion | Patriotism is not a business plan for the Northern Metropolis

Video | Blaze destroys over 1,000 homes in Malaysian water village