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Focus
SCMP gets to the heart of the matter with its in-depth analysis on the pressing issues in Hong Kong and around the world.
Illustration: Brian Wang
US-China relations

As Trump upends US foreign policy, analysts see fresh openings for China

After a turbulent year, experts expect continued disruption to reshape global influence, testing alliances and altering the balance of power.

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China's military weapons

Why China’s rapid military build-up is ‘hardly the whole story’

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US-China trade war

Surviving the shocks: what China and the US learned from 2025’s trade war

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Mainland China

Why ‘relative stability’ in US-China ties is unlikely to last

The temperature has lowered after a downward spiral since Trump’s return to the White House, but relations may face ‘strong headwinds’ again.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China-Africa relations

First China ore shipment rewards Guinea leader’s push for Simandou alliance

Mining minister says China and Rio Tinto were pressed to work on shared infrastructure because ‘we do not want railways running everywhere’.

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Science

How China pulled off a critical mineral tech revolution in just 10 months

‘Unique’ Chinese efficiency turns European firm’s vision into reality by building the world’s first large-scale silica-removal technology.

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China manufacturing

Are US, EU and Japan banking on defence spending for an economic boost?

As advanced economies ramp up military expenditures, they have multiple goals - including a reduced reliance on China in defence supply chains.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
IPO

Exclusive | Meet the Illinois farmer sowing the seeds of the world’s biggest IPOs of 2026

Jeff Rowe, a fifth-generation Illinois farmer, runs a Chinese-owned Swiss company in Basel that is aiming for one of the world’s largest IPOs in Hong Kong, due in 2026.

China exports

Why China sees Brazil as ‘last untapped blue ocean market’ for investment boom

Chinese investment in Brazil is soaring as firms eye the vast potential growth in South America’s ‘blue ocean market’.

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China exports

How Chinese lifestyle brands are finding fans abroad with toys, tea and trends

From milk tea to blind boxes, China’s lighter consumer brands are winning worldwide recognition – though time will tell if the craze will last.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
China manufacturing

Factory of factories: China’s manufacturers join wave of overseas expansions

With many of their clients moving or building sites abroad, China’s factory owners are following suit, seizing a ‘last chance’ for new revenues.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China consumption

Pursuit of hoppiness: how China’s cash-conscious drinkers embraced craft beers

As discerning alcohol consumers seek ‘wallet-friendly’ products, premium beers are winning out over higher-end options.

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Fintech

Hong Kong reaps the fruits of fintech seeds sown nearly 10 years ago

Hong Kong’s rise as a fintech hub is due to the concerted regulatory push, with the city competing with Singapore for regional leadership.

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China consumption

After peaking, decline of China’s European wine imports worries makers

Chinese drinkers are spending less amid an economic slowdown, diluting the profits of Europe’s fine wine producers.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
China consumption

China’s liquor capital faces long march to rebirth as ‘liquid gold’ glory wanes

In Maotai town, baijiu producers diversify offerings while expanding to markets such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asia amid a culture shift and economic challenges.

Illustration: Brian Wang
US-China trade war

Real possibility of US tariff refunds is sure to stir up a giant ‘mess’

Should Supreme Court rule against Donald Trump’s trade levies in coming weeks, the big question is how potential tariff refunds would work.

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Science

Why China’s mega coal-fired power plants thrive amid green energy boom

Gansu province is a leading source of solar and wind-powered energy, but cannot yet end its reliance on carbon-heavy power sources.

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Hong Kong economy

How Hongkongers find their feet in shifting sands of desert kingdom Saudi Arabia

Middle Eastern country is looking to lure global talent as it diversifies its economy and Hongkongers are among those eyeing opportunities.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
China food security

‘Impossible to achieve’: why China can’t grow enough soybeans to feed itself

The shift from soybean exporter to world’s top buyer has reshaped global markets and forced Beijing to confront new security risks.

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Science

Why ‘racist’ biologist James Watson is remembered in China with respect

Controversial Nobel Prize winner helped to lay the groundwork for China to become a genomics and biotech powerhouse.

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Chinese culture

Why Chinese grass-roots culture may be finally taking its place in the limelight

From web literature to video games, Chinese culture is winning fans abroad, where state-sponsored soft power initiatives have fallen flat.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Semiconductors

How Nexperia saga exposes Europe’s waning influence in US-China chip war

The dispute around the Dutch chipmaker shows the erosion of Europe’s geopolitical neutrality in the face of escalating US-China rivalry.

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Nexperia is caught in a geopolitical tussle between the Netherlands and China. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

Why China studies scholars in the West have been left in ‘crisis’ mode

US-China tensions, restricted access and Western-centric thinking seen as key obstacles to gaining ‘full picture of modern China’.

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China’s fourth plenum

How Xi’s ongoing battle against PLA corruption shapes China’s military future

The fight against graft in the armed forces is set to become one of the national priorities for the next five years.

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Hong Kong economy

Good deal for all? Can Hong Kong urban renewal body’s payout review fix scheme?

Cash-strapped Urban Renewal Authority is reviewing compensation scheme for flat owners forced out by redevelopment. But is a wider rethink needed?

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
US-China relations

‘Not enthusiastic’: why China finds Trump’s ‘G2’ talk too costly in geopolitics

While the term treats China and the US as equals, Beijing is probably ‘not enthusiastic’ about its ‘hegemonic’ undertones, analysts say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

From reusable rockets to deep-sea dives: how China closes tech gap on the West

China sees outer space and the polar regions as ‘strategic new frontiers’ vital to its future security – and is investing accordingly.

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China's population

As more of China becomes ‘moderately aged’, how will its economy change?

Much of China has passed a key demographic threshold as the population ages, making adaptations necessary for policymakers and businesses.

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