Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

How the rise of AI agents could finally make China’s open-source models pay

Free models helped Chinese firms find rapid success – but thin margins are forcing a shift towards hybrid business strategies.

31 minutes agovideocam

‘Common ignorance’: how China took the lead in global efforts to govern AI

Artificial intelligence

Science

Why is faecal bacteria presence in US hotels much higher than in China?

Luxury hotels clean up their act after filthy sanitation practices, including using the same sponge to clean cups, toilets and showers.

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China Economy

‘Sharp swings’: why China is warning of food security risks despite bumper crops

The country has ample grain supplies but could still face challenges if extreme weather or global conflict spark global shortages, Beijing says.

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Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: all eyes on Blitzboks, Black Ferns early on day 1

The first leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship gets under way in Hong Kong as the city’s sevens celebrates its 50th year.

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Science

The global computing industry’s pursuit of AI breakthroughs is hitting a “thermal wall” – overheating caused by new-generation chips. Image: Shutterstock

Diamond coating nearly doubles Chinese AI data centre’s cooling efficiency

Diplomacy

‘Buy what they can, steal what they can’t’: US lawmakers slam China’s AI tactics

US lawmakers, experts accused Beijing of buying ‘what they can’ and stealing ‘what they cannot’ from America to advance their AI technology.

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Employees train AI service robots in a Southern Power Grid company laboratory in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, on Thursday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Diplomacy

Israel and Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire as US pushes broader deal

Pause may ease tensions with Iran, with Trump eyeing White House talks, though doubts linger over prospects for a lasting peace deal.

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Politics

Nuclear defiance: North Korea’s Kim signals he won’t be the next Iran

Kim Jong-un’s increased appearances at military drills show his confidence in Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrence, analysts say.

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Business

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

In partnership with:

Dow

Caption: Dow’s Track and Trace Platform makes it possible to follow a recycled bottle’s journey from disposal to its rebirth as a new plastic bottle. Photo: Shutterstock

Economy, Trade & Business

Why biggest threat to US’ global dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

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China

US will help Peru ‘take back’ Chancay port from China, Congress chair says

Maria Elvira Salazar warns port’s ‘dual usage’ potential could enable Chinese submarines, carriers and warships to operate from Peru.

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Bars gearing up for bumper Hong Kong Sevens weekend

Bar operators dismiss concerns that higher airfares because of Middle East war will deter rugby fans from visiting city.

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Asia-Pacific firms face credit pressure from Iran war energy shock, S&P says

Higher energy prices ratchet up pressure on manufacturing businesses to maintain their profit margins amid rising raw material costs.

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A fuel tanker truck leaves a gas station in Beijing, March 28, 2026. Photo: AP

World

10,000 suns: mind-blowing power of black hole jets measured for the first time

The jets can help scientists understand how black holes help shape galaxies and other cosmic structures.

17 Apr 2026 - 2:34AMvideocam

The strong stellar wind from a supergiant star pushes the jets launched by a black hole away from the star. Image: International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research via AP

US

‘Won’t back down’: Greer seeks more funding for Trump’s trade wars

US trade chief says more resources needed to expand trade probes and counter China, warning farmers remain exposed ahead of Beijing summit.

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SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

Is the Year of the Horse’s third month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.

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Will China arm Iran during the ceasefire?

Pentagon says Beijing offered assurances as US tightens blockade and warns Tehran talks could quickly give way to renewed strikes.

5 hours agovideocam

An Iranian woman walks past a large-scale billboard referring to the Strait of Hormuz as ‘Forever on Iran’s hand’, at a square in Tehran, Iran, 15 April 2026. Photo: EPA

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Mastering the shadows: explore lives, extraordinary skills of ancient Chinese thieves

To maintain social order, ancient Chinese dynasties imposed severe punishments for theft – amputation, exile, even death penalty.

2 hours ago

Ancient Chinese thieves, known for skills like qinggong and clever tactics, followed a strict code: never stealing from the vulnerable. Photo: SCMP composite/research.sinica.edu.tw/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Americas

IMF, World Bank say they are resuming dealings with Venezuela

The move follows the January ouster of Nicolas Maduro and could unlock billions in frozen assets for the Rodriguez administration.

29 minutes ago

Rugby

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens event planner: your guide to the ultimate sports party

From Hong Kong’s men and women tackling the Melrose Claymores competition, to K-pop and Eurodance, there’s something for everyone.

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OPINION

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SCMP Series US-Israel war on Iran

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?

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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.

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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.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

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Shanghai Gigafactory has potential to build humanoid robots: Tesla China head

Shanghai Gigafactory could be a ‘golden key’ to advancing Elon Musk’s hopes of commercialising the technology swiftly, Tesla China head says.

14 Apr 2026 - 9:02PM

A Tesla robot on display at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. Tesla has said it is transforming itself into a physical AI firm. Photo: AFP

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Manycore, one of Hangzhou’s ‘Six Little Dragons’, surges on Hong Kong IPO debut

The company’s listing highlights its pivot from design tools to advanced AI-driven spatial platforms as it eyes overseas growth.

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Chinese tech giants, AI ‘godmother’ Li Fei-Fei race into world models

Alibaba’s introduction of Happy Oyster model for real-time creation of virtual worlds follows unveiling of Spark 2.0 from Li’s World Labs.

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Big Tech

TSMC targets over 30% revenue surge in 2026, ramps up capex amid AI boom

AI dominates TSMC revenues as foundry giant pivots from smartphones to high-performance computing.

16 Apr 2026 - 7:07PM

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

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

Hong Kong Economy

Are special laws a quick fix for speeding up Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis?

Syncing megaproject with key infrastructure and turning it into a ‘living laboratory’ are equally important to its success, tech experts say.

16 Apr 2026 - 10:18PM

China

Exclusive | Trump-Xi summit shaped by uncertainty, not strategy: experts

War distractions and limited goals risk turning Beijing talks into optics over substance, as expectations shrink and planning falters.

15 Apr 2026 - 9:06AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why the US may need more than just fixing gaps to rival China on rare earths

Washington’s mining ambitions may be complicated by the erosion of industrial know-how and a weak education pipeline, experts say.

14 Apr 2026 - 8:55AMvideocam

How the rise of AI agents could finally make China’s open-source models pay

Free models helped Chinese firms find rapid success – but thin margins are forcing a shift towards hybrid business strategies.

‘Common ignorance’: how China took the lead in global efforts to govern AI

Why is faecal bacteria presence in US hotels much higher than in China?

Luxury hotels clean up their act after filthy sanitation practices, including using the same sponge to clean cups, toilets and showers.

‘Sharp swings’: why China is warning of food security risks despite bumper crops

The country has ample grain supplies but could still face challenges if extreme weather or global conflict spark global shortages, Beijing says.

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: all eyes on Blitzboks, Black Ferns early on day 1

The first leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship gets under way in Hong Kong as the city’s sevens celebrates its 50th year.

Diamond coating nearly doubles Chinese AI data centre’s cooling efficiency

‘Buy what they can, steal what they can’t’: US lawmakers slam China’s AI tactics

US lawmakers, experts accused Beijing of buying ‘what they can’ and stealing ‘what they cannot’ from America to advance their AI technology.

Israel and Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire as US pushes broader deal

Pause may ease tensions with Iran, with Trump eyeing White House talks, though doubts linger over prospects for a lasting peace deal.

Nuclear defiance: North Korea’s Kim signals he won’t be the next Iran

Kim Jong-un’s increased appearances at military drills show his confidence in Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrence, analysts say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

Why biggest threat to US’ global dollar dominance may well be Washington itself

Economic sanctions, access to US-led banking systems are powerful tools, but overuse reduces their effectiveness over time, Congress told.

US will help Peru ‘take back’ Chancay port from China, Congress chair says

Maria Elvira Salazar warns port’s ‘dual usage’ potential could enable Chinese submarines, carriers and warships to operate from Peru.

Bars gearing up for bumper Hong Kong Sevens weekend

Bar operators dismiss concerns that higher airfares because of Middle East war will deter rugby fans from visiting city.

Asia-Pacific firms face credit pressure from Iran war energy shock, S&P says

Higher energy prices ratchet up pressure on manufacturing businesses to maintain their profit margins amid rising raw material costs.

10,000 suns: mind-blowing power of black hole jets measured for the first time

The jets can help scientists understand how black holes help shape galaxies and other cosmic structures.

‘Won’t back down’: Greer seeks more funding for Trump’s trade wars

US trade chief says more resources needed to expand trade probes and counter China, warning farmers remain exposed ahead of Beijing summit.

Is the Year of the Horse’s third month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in health, love, work and finances.

Will China arm Iran during the ceasefire?

Pentagon says Beijing offered assurances as US tightens blockade and warns Tehran talks could quickly give way to renewed strikes.

Mastering the shadows: explore lives, extraordinary skills of ancient Chinese thieves

To maintain social order, ancient Chinese dynasties imposed severe punishments for theft – amputation, exile, even death penalty.

IMF, World Bank say they are resuming dealings with Venezuela

The move follows the January ouster of Nicolas Maduro and could unlock billions in frozen assets for the Rodriguez administration.

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens event planner: your guide to the ultimate sports party

From Hong Kong’s men and women tackling the Melrose Claymores competition, to K-pop and Eurodance, there’s something for everyone.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | With Art March, Hong Kong is firmly on the global cultural map

Editorial | 50 years of Sevens: Hong Kong’s festival of fun awaits the world’s rugby fans

Opinion | Without restraint, Beijing and Manila can’t deliver the South China Sea code

Editorial | Hong Kong taxpayers deserve clarity on Covid-era SME loan scheme

Opinion | Why India feels exposed by Pakistan’s diplomacy in Iran war

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Israel, Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend, April 17-19

No cigarettes allowed and no one seen smoking, worker tells Tai Po fire inquiry

Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens: all eyes on Blitzboks, Black Ferns early on day 1

‘Sharp swings’: why China is warning of food security risks despite bumper crops

Style Edit: Richard Mille’s vibrant Coloured Ceramics collection

Style Edit: IWC Schaffhausen celebrates its Pilot’s Watch’s 90th anniversary

Manycore, one of Hangzhou’s ‘Six Little Dragons’, surges on Hong Kong IPO debut

Opinion | With Art March, Hong Kong is firmly on the global cultural map

Australian farmers relieved after Indonesia agrees to supply fertiliser

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

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}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.

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

Shanghai Gigafactory has potential to build humanoid robots: Tesla China head

Shanghai Gigafactory could be a ‘golden key’ to advancing Elon Musk’s hopes of commercialising the technology swiftly, Tesla China head says.

Manycore, one of Hangzhou’s ‘Six Little Dragons’, surges on Hong Kong IPO debut

The company’s listing highlights its pivot from design tools to advanced AI-driven spatial platforms as it eyes overseas growth.

Chinese tech giants, AI ‘godmother’ Li Fei-Fei race into world models

Alibaba’s introduction of Happy Oyster model for real-time creation of virtual worlds follows unveiling of Spark 2.0 from Li’s World Labs.

TSMC targets over 30% revenue surge in 2026, ramps up capex amid AI boom

AI dominates TSMC revenues as foundry giant pivots from smartphones to high-performance computing.

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.

Are special laws a quick fix for speeding up Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis?

Syncing megaproject with key infrastructure and turning it into a ‘living laboratory’ are equally important to its success, tech experts say.

Exclusive | Trump-Xi summit shaped by uncertainty, not strategy: experts

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Opinion | With Art March, Hong Kong is firmly on the global cultural map

Video | Israel, Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang