1 hour ago China rejects Trump’s Xi trade talk claims, Chinese marriages drop: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing dismissing Trump’s claims of trade war talks to rising military spending in East Asia, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Politics

4 h. ago Iran rebuffs Israel’s demand for giving up nuclear programme in US talks

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Israel’s ‘fantasy that it can dictate what Iran may or may not do is detached from reality’.

Politics

5 h. ago China amps up nuclear ambitions with 10 new reactor approvals for fourth straight year

China’s third-generation Hualong One reactors will be among those built in some coastal provinces, and each can meet the energy demands of 1 million people.

Events

5 h. ago China's Refiners and Coal Miners Struggle With Weak Demand and Overcapacity

China's Refiners and Coal Miners Struggle With Weak Demand and Overcapacity  Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com

Politics

7 h. ago US strike on Yemen prison holding migrants kills dozens, Houthis say

The Trump administration has intensified military operations targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Events

7 h. ago US strike on Yemen facility holding migrants kills dozens, Houthis say

The Trump administration has intensified military operations targeting Iran-backed Houthi forces.

Events

7 h. ago Maldives aligns with Malaysia in call for ‘legitimate’ Palestinian state amid Gaza tensions

The Maldives reiterated call for a Palestinian state comes two weeks after the island nation implemented an entry ban on Israeli passport holders.

Events

10 h. ago Trump claims trade talks with China are happening despite Beijing’s denial

Trump claims trade talks with China are happening despite Beijing’s denial  MSN

Politics

10 h. ago Singapore negotiates US chips access, seeks pharmaceutical tariff concessions

Washington says it’s keen to explore ‘creative solutions’ on trade with the city state, whose deputy PM has touted progress in talks.

Politics

11 h. ago The Other Nuclear Race: America Is Falling Behind China and Russia on Energy Innovation

The Other Nuclear Race: America Is Falling Behind China and Russia on Energy Innovation  Foreign Affairs

Events

15 h. ago UK fund manager Schroders to invest more in Hong Kong as trade war ups demand, CEO says

‘When we think about where wealth is growing the fastest, it is in Asia,’ Richard Oldfield says.

Economics

20 h. ago Is the U.S. Talking to China About Tariffs? Trump Says Yes, Beijing and Bessent Say No.

Is the U.S. Talking to China About Tariffs? Trump Says Yes, Beijing and Bessent Say No.  Barron's

Politics

20 h. ago Trump floats income tax cut in bid to ease tariffs bite; says US talking to China on trade

US president suggested income tax be reduced – ‘maybe even completely eliminated’ – for people making less than US$200,000 a year.

Politics

20 h. ago 'The Chinese are saying that's not true': Bash presses Trump Cabinet Secretary on trade talks

'The Chinese are saying that's not true': Bash presses Trump Cabinet Secretary on trade talks  CNN

Politics

20 h. ago Bessent Demurs on Trump’s Claim of Trade Talks With China’s Xi

Bessent Demurs on Trump’s Claim of Trade Talks With China’s Xi  The New York Times

Politics

22 h. ago Israel strikes Beirut’s southern suburbs for third time since ceasefire

Israel says Beirut strike targeted a Hezbollah storage facility for precision-guided missiles.

Events

27 h. ago China's cabinet approves new project of nuclear power plant in eastern Zhejiang

China's cabinet approves new project of nuclear power plant in eastern Zhejiang  Reuters

Events

40 h. ago “US in Total Shock”: China and Russia’s 2028 Plan to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon Stuns the Global Space Community

“US in Total Shock”: China and Russia’s 2028 Plan to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon Stuns the Global Space Community  Sustainability Times

Events

49 h. ago China expands initiative to stamp out Western bias in ethnic studies

Beijing approves 15 more universities to establish new academic programme as it works to consolidate national identity narrative.

Events

52 h. ago Will Trump’s Golden Dome stop China’s missiles or create a ‘monster’ problem?

As China’s nuclear arsenal grows, the US is betting on a space-based defence programme that faces multiple complexities and soaring costs.

Events