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In Focus

In 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: Henry Wong
Hong Kong economy

In Focus | What comes next for Hong Kong as a global financial hub?

Hong Kong needs more yuan products, commodity trading infrastructure and fintech innovation, market participants say.

US-China relations

In Focus | Singapore and South Korea eye science opportunity as US-China ties shatter

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Hong Kong economy

In Focus | Why does Hong Kong need a 5-year plan – and will it curb its free-market economy?

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China's military weapons

In Focus | Beyond the numbers: why China’s carrier force won’t copy the US model

Defence experts say PLA carrier fleet is expected to complement land-based forces and extend reach into the western Pacific and beyond.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China energy security

In Focus | China’s nuclear machine is leaving the West behind. Is the pace sustainable?

While delays and soaring costs bog down projects in the US, China’s state-directed model is moving at record speed – but geographical limits pose huge challenges.

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Banking & finance

In Focus | Beijing hits super-rich with 20% offshore tax. What does it mean for Hong Kong?

For decades, Hong Kong has prospered by managing the wealth of Asia’s elite. Will that change as China introduces tougher offshore tax policies?

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China jobs

In Focus | Why foreign workers are still climbing mountains of paperwork for a job in China

Beijing’s rigid visa points system and strict sponsorship rules frustrate young expats, but most are still undeterred in their job search.

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Illustration: Kaliz Lee
US-China relations

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

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Hong Kong science and tech

In Focus | Hong Kong aims to be a global tech hub, but can it hold on to its young talent?

An increasingly risk-averse culture and a lack of early-stage support may push young start-up founders to look overseas, critics warn.

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China consumption

In Focus | ‘Quiet luxury’: why premium Chinese consumers are embracing home-grown brands

A growing number of local brands are winning over premium consumers who prize craftsmanship, innovation and a high‑value sense of luxury.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China's military weapons

In Focus | China’s Palantir? Private tech firms surge into defence AI, aiming to match US giants

Some mainland companies’ tech proficiency may be closing gaps with American counterparts, but challenges remain, analysts say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China's military weapons

In Focus | Why China’s military is laser-focused on ‘disruptive’ technologies

From artificial intelligence to quantum technology and hypersonic weapons, the PLA is in a race to define the next era of warfare.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

In Focus | Will new EV batteries fast-charge the global automotive industry?

Amid a fiercely competitive domestic market, China’s battery tech leads in global innovation and cost reduction, promising safer, faster EVs.

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China’s Communist Party

Why is China’s Communist Party intent on control over the military?

Beijing’s anti-corruption clean-up of the military reflects a historic commitment to party control, ensuring the armed forces strictly serve party goals.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

The numbers game: why the US is losing ground to China in the first island chain

The PLA is rapidly progressing towards its 2027 ‘world-class military’ goal in ways that could challenge US defence lines, analysts say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China’s military

The PLA at 99: how China’s military went from ragtag rifles to world-class force

From revolutionary group to hi-tech machine, the PLA’s transformation has been a long pursuit of strength and self-reliance.

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Hong Kong economy

Yacht travel scheme makes waves but can Hong Kong cash in on marine economy?

Boat owners and maritime experts say Hong Kong must seize the opportunity to upgrade marine infrastructure to attract mainland yachts.

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China trade

Indonesia wants to move beyond raw materials. Will its China ties suffer?

Beijing and Jakarta enjoy unprecedented economic interdependence – but shifting priorities in Indonesia threaten to strain the partnership.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China stock market

Trump or trap: should China’s stock market entice investors with ‘good bubbles’?

Analysts say China’s risk-averse financial policy is diverting capital to Wall Street, advising the building of ‘good bubbles’ to promote growth.

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Apple

After Apple leak, has India lost ground in its supply chain race with China?

In the wake of a cyberattack on a local Apple partner, insiders say India has a long way to go before challenging China as a manufacturer.

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China’s private sector

How Beijing became China’s biggest tech venture capitalist, from AI to chips

China’s tech sector thrives on state-backed investment, reshaping funding dynamics and sparking a debate about balancing risk and innovation.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
Central Asia

China tests Central Asian land corridors to bypass maritime chokepoints

New Afghanistan link via Uzbekistan highlights diversification push, but critics ask if Taliban can ensure security for stable logistics.

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Illustration: Brian Wang
Hong Kong society

‘Rats everywhere’: numbers are up 323%. So why are authorities not worried?

Hygiene department says rising numbers over past decade show trapping works, but experts caution residents’ daily lives may give opposite impression.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

China’s EV makers went from small fry to big shots. Can others do the same?

The global green shift is providing a way for emerging economies to catch up with global powerhouses, with help from China’s supply chain.

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China manufacturing

China’s car industry is on a tear overseas. So why are sales at home plunging?

Chinese car brands have suffered a steep drop in domestic sales this year, with Beijing scaling back subsidies and buyers reluctant to spend.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles)

Did the Ukraine war spark China’s ban on most civilian drone flights in cities?

Strict new rules have disrupted casual users and increased compliance hurdles for industrial applications like power grid inspections.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Artificial intelligence

Insert token: how China’s surging AI use is turning compute into currency

As the cost of running AI models continues to drop, the token economy is reshaping ecosystems far beyond corporate cubicles.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Europe’s carmakers plan a comeback – powered by EU policies and Chinese tech

New regulations will help EU produce electric vehicles at a price point to match China, but European job losses would be among trade-offs.

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