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Sweden

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Sweden. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Stockholm

Head of State

King Carl XVI Gustaf

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

Greenland sits atop some of the world’s largest undeveloped mineral deposits, including rare earth elements. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Why US deal on Greenland may narrow China’s Arctic space

New security accord could make western Arctic states warier of working with China and draw Beijing closer to Moscow, Chinese observers say.

26 Sep 2026 - 8:00PM

Thailand

Mother seeks justice 7 months after Thai-Swedish son’s fatal crash in Pattaya

22 Sep 2026 - 8:28PM

United States

New York fashion chief quits after physical clash with Peta activists goes viral

19 Sep 2026 - 2:34PM

Australia

Australia’s backpacker visa cuts threaten working holiday dream

Interior minister Tony Burke has announced plans to cut the number of visas issued – and detain tourists who overstay.

19 Sep 2026 - 9:37AM

People spend a sunny afternoon on Bondi Beach in Sydney on Friday. Photo: AFP

Spain

Sweden’s PM resigns after left-wing wins slim majority in election

Magdalena Andersson’s left-wing bloc, splintered over ideological differences, faces laborious negotiations to form the new government.

17 Sep 2026 - 9:49PM

China-EU relations

Sweden’s long election night leaves few certainties – except caution on China

Despite close result, main parties agree on reducing economic dependence on China and pushing Europe towards a tougher line on Beijing.

16 Sep 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

Nordic nations

Sweden’s election too close to call as final votes are counted

Swedes await final tallies as left-leaning opposition holds a razor-thin lead in the race.

14 Sep 2026 - 4:32PM

Social Democratic leader Magdalena Andersson as election results are released. Photo: Reuters

From our archives

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

Fifty years ago, Mao Zedong’s death sent shock waves around the world.

13 Sep 2026 - 11:15AM

European Union

Sweden heads into final stretch before key election

The results could see either the centre left take back power or the far-right enter government for the first time.

11 Sep 2026 - 11:12PM

China-EU relations

Why Sweden, once one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, has changed its tune

Driven by geopolitical shifts and critical industrial needs, Stockholm is expected to pivot towards Beijing to shield its economic future.

11 Sep 2026 - 11:08PM

Election campaign posters are displayed in central Stockholm. Photo: AFP

China's military weapons

From Pakistan to Uzbekistan: how China’s J-10CE is widening its overseas reach

Fighter jet is becoming an appealing option for a growing number of foreign operators, potentially providing insight into its performance.

11 Sep 2026 - 5:00PM

Pakistan put the J-10CE to the test during a brief conflict with India last year. Photo: CCTV

China's military weapons

Pakistan’s China-made HQ-17AE system to boost drone defence in future India war

Successful integration with other foreign systems by Pakistan would strengthen China’s export case ‘considerably’, analyst notes.

9 Sep 2026 - 12:08AMvideocam

Nordic nations

Sweden buying US-made Himars for long-range strike capability

New Nato member spends US$730 million on Lockheed Martin artillery while deepening defence ties with Finland.

8 Sep 2026 - 11:19AM

Space

German rocket reaches space as Europe enters satellite launch race

Isar Aerospace, which launched its rocket from a spaceport in Norway, plans to offer a commercial ⁠satellite launch service.

6 Sep 2026 - 6:25AM

Germany’s Isar Aerospace rocket is launched into space from a base in Andoeya, Norway on Saturday. Photo: Isar Aerospace / Franziska Kegel / Handout via Reuters

China-EU relations

EU gives Arctic shipping route cold shoulder as China and Russia push ahead

Its opposition to the commercialisation of Arctic transit comes amid rising anxiety over Beijing and Moscow’s closer polar collaboration.

4 Sep 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Europe is wary of fragile polar ecosystems and navigational risks. Photo: Getty Images

Science

Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson dies in China of ‘sudden illness’

Sudden death of Guangdong-based researcher, who specialised in the medical use of technology, leaves a ‘profound void’.

1 Sep 2026 - 7:54PMvideocam

European Union

Sword attack that killed 1 at Sweden high school prompts social media probe

Police are investigating whether the teenager who carried out the attack was involved in online communities promoting school violence.

23 Aug 2026 - 12:36AM

Crime

1 killed, 3 injured when man with sword attacks Swedish school

The assailant, an 18-year-old man, was shot and detained by police.

22 Aug 2026 - 5:00AM

Police and rescue services on site at the Brinell school during an emergency response after a man with a sword reportedly injured several people at the school in Fagersta, Sweden on Friday. Photo: EPA

China-EU relations

China’s trade grip tightens in Europe as clock ticks towards October deadline

As Brussels continues its push to rebalance ties, the latest data show China’s trade surplus expanded over all but three EU members in July.

22 Aug 2026 - 3:06AMvideocam

European Union

Belgium battles worst wildfire on record, EU allies come to aid

Helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to arrive under the European Union civil protection mechanism.

16 Aug 2026 - 6:09PM

SCMP Highlights

China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 7 highlights

From Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao’s burger brand to Filipino star Eala’s maiden WTA win, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

7 Aug 2026 - 12:15PM

Live dogs for sale behind Rajin market in North Korea. Photo: SCMP

Trending in China

Chinese baby adopted by Swedish couple makes emotional return decades later

When asked about her decision, Gao reflects, ‘I’ve made peace with my past and need to know where my roots are’.

4 Aug 2026 - 6:14PM

A Chinese woman, abandoned as a baby and later adopted by a Swedish couple, embarks on an emotional journey back to China after 23 years. Photo: Douyin

Crime

Sweden doubles prison terms for gang-related crimes

Sweden has struggled to contain gang violence, with criminal networks often recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.

1 Aug 2026 - 9:01PMvideocam

Hong Kong society

‘Fear and anger’ drive parents to seek review of city’s custody of baby Danny

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin argue son should not be taken away from them because of their stance against vaccinations and prenatal check-ups.

31 Jul 2026 - 10:21PMvideocam

Britain

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

29 Jul 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

People walk along the River Thames in London. Natland is ‌the latest young adult to stand trial in Britain and ‌elsewhere over serious criminal acts allegedly carried out after being recruited ⁠online for money. Photo: EPA

Nordic nations

European heatwaves drive summer tourists to cooler north

The concept of ‘coolcations’ – holidays in a cooler clime – has been gathering pace in recent years and appears to have exploded in 2026.

26 Jul 2026 - 12:54PM

A tourist takes photos of Mount Nuolja, overlooking Abisko in northern Sweden, on August 26, 2021. Photo: AFP

France

Modelling scout with links to Epstein found dead in France

Daniel Siad, 69, was one of several men accused of helping the US financier traffic and abuse women.

23 Jul 2026 - 12:08PM

European Union

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

19 Jul 2026 - 6:32PM

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Sweden

Why US deal on Greenland may narrow China’s Arctic space

New security accord could make western Arctic states warier of working with China and draw Beijing closer to Moscow, Chinese observers say.

Mother seeks justice 7 months after Thai-Swedish son’s fatal crash in Pattaya

New York fashion chief quits after physical clash with Peta activists goes viral

Australia’s backpacker visa cuts threaten working holiday dream

Interior minister Tony Burke has announced plans to cut the number of visas issued – and detain tourists who overstay.

Sweden’s PM resigns after left-wing wins slim majority in election

Magdalena Andersson’s left-wing bloc, splintered over ideological differences, faces laborious negotiations to form the new government.

Sweden’s long election night leaves few certainties – except caution on China

Despite close result, main parties agree on reducing economic dependence on China and pushing Europe towards a tougher line on Beijing.

Sweden’s election too close to call as final votes are counted

Swedes await final tallies as left-leaning opposition holds a razor-thin lead in the race.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

Fifty years ago, Mao Zedong’s death sent shock waves around the world.

Sweden heads into final stretch before key election

The results could see either the centre left take back power or the far-right enter government for the first time.

Why Sweden, once one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, has changed its tune

Driven by geopolitical shifts and critical industrial needs, Stockholm is expected to pivot towards Beijing to shield its economic future.

From Pakistan to Uzbekistan: how China’s J-10CE is widening its overseas reach

Fighter jet is becoming an appealing option for a growing number of foreign operators, potentially providing insight into its performance.

Pakistan’s China-made HQ-17AE system to boost drone defence in future India war

Successful integration with other foreign systems by Pakistan would strengthen China’s export case ‘considerably’, analyst notes.

Sweden buying US-made Himars for long-range strike capability

New Nato member spends US$730 million on Lockheed Martin artillery while deepening defence ties with Finland.

German rocket reaches space as Europe enters satellite launch race

Isar Aerospace, which launched its rocket from a spaceport in Norway, plans to offer a commercial ⁠satellite launch service.

EU gives Arctic shipping route cold shoulder as China and Russia push ahead

Its opposition to the commercialisation of Arctic transit comes amid rising anxiety over Beijing and Moscow’s closer polar collaboration.

Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson dies in China of ‘sudden illness’

Sudden death of Guangdong-based researcher, who specialised in the medical use of technology, leaves a ‘profound void’.

Sword attack that killed 1 at Sweden high school prompts social media probe

Police are investigating whether the teenager who carried out the attack was involved in online communities promoting school violence.

1 killed, 3 injured when man with sword attacks Swedish school

The assailant, an 18-year-old man, was shot and detained by police.

China’s trade grip tightens in Europe as clock ticks towards October deadline

As Brussels continues its push to rebalance ties, the latest data show China’s trade surplus expanded over all but three EU members in July.

Belgium battles worst wildfire on record, EU allies come to aid

Helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to arrive under the European Union civil protection mechanism.

China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 7 highlights

From Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao’s burger brand to Filipino star Eala’s maiden WTA win, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Chinese baby adopted by Swedish couple makes emotional return decades later

When asked about her decision, Gao reflects, ‘I’ve made peace with my past and need to know where my roots are’.

Sweden doubles prison terms for gang-related crimes

Sweden has struggled to contain gang violence, with criminal networks often recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.

‘Fear and anger’ drive parents to seek review of city’s custody of baby Danny

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin argue son should not be taken away from them because of their stance against vaccinations and prenatal check-ups.

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

European heatwaves drive summer tourists to cooler north

The concept of ‘coolcations’ – holidays in a cooler clime – has been gathering pace in recent years and appears to have exploded in 2026.

Modelling scout with links to Epstein found dead in France

Daniel Siad, 69, was one of several men accused of helping the US financier traffic and abuse women.

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive