4 h. ago Hong Kong’s URA will boost scrutiny of company heads in enhanced tender platform

Hong Kong will launch an enhanced government-backed tendering platform for private building maintenance projects in the second half of the year to curb bid-rigging while tightening scrutiny of contractors, consultants and their leaders. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho told the media that authorities aimed to launch the upgraded “Smart Tender” platform in the second half of the year. She added that under the new system, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) would conduct strict...

Politics

4 h. ago Hong Kong rolling out tender platform upgraded after Tai Po fire in second half of 2026

Hong Kong will launch an enhanced government-backed tendering platform for private building maintenance projects in the second half of the year to curb bid-rigging while tightening scrutiny of contractors, consultants and their leaders. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho told the media that authorities aimed to launch the upgraded “Smart Tender” platform in the second half of the year. She added that under the new system, the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) would conduct strict...

Events

4 h. ago Can Trip.com Recover After Beijing Gives It the ‘Jack Ma’ Treatment?

Can Trip.com Recover After Beijing Gives It the ‘Jack Ma’ Treatment?  Barchart.com

Politics

6 h. ago How China is stepping up Africa charm offensive to boost cultural ties, deepen influence

China is rolling out hundreds of activities across Africa, including study trips and AI competitions, as part of what experts have described as a “soft power” charm offensive designed to deepen its influence across the continent. In moving beyond its traditional focus on infrastructure and high-level finance, Beijing is expanding its engagement through the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges – an initiative dedicated to cultural and social diplomacy. Announced by Chinese Foreign...

Politics

6 h. ago Are Western defence firms aiming at the Chinese navy in their promo videos?

Two Western defence companies appear to have Chinese warships in their sights, with promotional videos of their weapons systems targeting vessels that look a lot like those belonging to the PLA Navy. London-based BAE Systems posted videos on social media on Wednesday for “game-changing naval weapons and launching systems” it said it was showcasing at a US defence industry conference last week. One animated video simulated a naval base under attack. The base then launches missiles from containers...

Politics

7 h. ago Ice lantern festival in Beijing dazzles visitors with ice sculptures, light effects

Ice lantern festival in Beijing dazzles visitors with ice sculptures, light effects  bastillepost.com

Culture

7 h. ago Journalist in Taiwan arrested for allegedly bribing soldiers and giving information to Beijing

Journalist in Taiwan arrested for allegedly bribing soldiers and giving information to Beijing  vijesti.me

Events

9 h. ago Exhibition showcasing ancient Shu civilization kicks off in Beijing

Exhibition showcasing ancient Shu civilization kicks off in Beijing-Xinhua  新华网

Politics

10 h. ago China office workers run to bond with peers, clients, pressured to meet speed expectations

Chinese office workers are literally switching to working on the run as the building of bonds with customers and colleagues becomes increasingly trendy. On mainland social media, increasing numbers of people say running has become their company’s work culture or helped them bond with clients. A woman based in Beijing said she first learned about the concept of “business running” two years ago when her client invited her on a 7am run. The woman, surnamed Peng, said the client was difficult, but...

Events

10 h. ago Beijing's first snow of 2026 turns Summer Palace into winter wonderland

Beijing's first snow of 2026 turns Summer Palace into winter wonderland  Global Times

Politics

11 h. ago Beijing row highlights need for Japan to reduce cleantech dependence on China

Beijing row highlights need for Japan to reduce cleantech dependence on China  The Japan Times

Politics

12 h. ago Beijing activates emergency responses to ensure safety during snowstorm

Beijing activates emergency responses to ensure safety during snowstorm  China Daily

Events

13 h. ago Beijing pours cash into Belt and Road financing in global resources grab

Beijing pours cash into Belt and Road financing in global resources grab  Financial Times

Economics

13 h. ago As Trump’s threat grows, Greenlanders plot exit plan: ‘I’m thinking about where to hide’

Ulrikke Andersen has already made a plan. If the United States invades Greenland, she will flee her home with her daughter. “Before, I was ready to die for my country but when I had a kid that changed everything,” she said. The 40-year-old is one of many residents of the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk, now weighing up options they would never have considered just a few months ago. But US President Donald Trump has been clear about his desire to seize the vast, self-governing Danish island, rich in...

Politics

14 h. ago Could flying wind farms be the future of energy generation in China?

A giant airship launched in a densely populated area of southwestern China earlier this month has set social media on fire. Footage of the S2000, the world’s most powerful flying wind farm, in the skies above Yibin, Sichuan province, prompted comparisons with an alien spaceship or the airships that featured in the animated film Big Hero 6. The white airship – measuring 60 metres (200 feet) in length and a width and height of 40 metres – was filled with helium on the ground before ascent,...

Politics

15 h. ago Hotel conversions gain traction in China’s office market amid high vacancies

More economy and mid-range hotel operators in China are leasing office buildings for conversion to guest accommodation, and such flexible, mixed-use approaches are expected to increase amid a continued weakening of the office market. In some Chinese cities, the practice of multiple hotel brands co-leasing separate floors within a single building has become more prevalent, fuelled by interest from both property owners and hotel operators. In Hangzhou, the capital of eastern China’s Zhejiang...

Society

15 h. ago Beijing’s first snowfall of 2026 continues as nationwide cold wave possibly brings widespread snow and ice

Beijing’s first snowfall of 2026 continues as nationwide cold wave possibly brings widespread snow and ice  Global Times

Politics

15 h. ago Spy fears and secret rooms: London protesters warn Beijing’s mega embassy could be an espionage hub

Spy fears and secret rooms: London protesters warn Beijing’s mega embassy could be an espionage hub  Malay Mail

Events

16 h. ago Did China, Russia, Iran joint naval drills in South Africa mark notable Brics shift?

Last week’s naval drills involving China, Russia, Iran and host country South Africa signalled a notable shift for Brics beyond its traditional focus on economic cooperation, analysts said, as the US noted it had closely monitored the exercise. However, observers also described the high-profile exercise as largely symbolic, calling it a diplomatic statement of intent rather than a step towards a formal military alliance. The Will for Peace 2026 drills were launched at a port in Cape Town on...

Politics

16 h. ago Did China, Russia, Iran joint naval drills in South Africa signal a Brics shift?

Last week’s naval drills involving China, Russia, Iran and host country South Africa signalled a shift for Brics beyond its traditional focus on economic cooperation, analysts said, as the US noted it had closely monitored the exercise. However, observers also described the high-profile exercise as largely symbolic, calling it a diplomatic statement of intent rather than a step towards a formal military alliance. The “Will for Peace 2026” drills were launched at a port in Cape Town on January 9...

Politics