16 h. ago As trade talks continue, China thinks it has leverage over U.S.

As trade talks continue, China thinks it has leverage over U.S.  The Washington PostLutnick says US-China trade talks going well on second day  ReutersUS and China Talk Trade as Fight Over Rare Earths Escalates  The New York Times

Politics

18 h. ago Chinese premier urges faster tech applications amid US export controls

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for a push to speed up the application of new advances in science and technology, as the country accelerates efforts to break its dependence on US tech and develop a world-leading industrial base. In a State Council meeting on Monday, Li called the application of new technologies the “last mile” of innovation, as it links innovation and industry and is important in driving new products and services, state-run news agency Xinhua reported. The premier’s comments...

Politics

23 h. ago Megaquake scare in Japan, Philippines boosts air power: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears A string of moderate earthquakes off the coast of Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido has reignited concerns among experts and residents about the risk of a catastrophic seismic event – though scientists stress...

Politics

38 h. ago US China trade talks, L.A., National Guard tensions, Trump, Musk fight: Live Updates

US China trade talks, L.A., National Guard tensions, Trump, Musk fight: Live Updates  Fox Business

Politics

38 h. ago US soybean farmers move to reduce dependence on China as trade war grinds on

Soybean farmers in the United States have stepped up efforts to diversify their export markets while maintaining China as a critical buyer, despite ongoing trade tensions between the two superpowers, according to the head of a leading industry association. Jim Sutter, CEO of the US Soybean Export Council, said that while concerns about possible disruptions persist, China’s strong demand for soybeans – a crucial commodity for food and livestock feed – would ensure the US remains an important...

Events

40 h. ago Why Trump’s nuclear export controls won’t stop China, may hurt US firms: analysts

China’s nuclear ambitions may face a slight setback from Washington’s reported export restrictions on power plant components, but Beijing will press ahead with its construction drive and intensify efforts to develop home-grown technologies as its domestic reactors mature, analysts said. The Trump administration has reportedly suspended licenses for the export of some nuclear power generation equipment to China. The US Department of Commerce issued the ruling in recent weeks, according to...

Politics

42 h. ago India’s landmark production of Rafale fuselages a ‘welcome’ boost for defence

France’s Dassault Aviation will manufacture the main body section of its Rafale multirole fighter jets in India – the first time production has taken place outside France – in a move analysts say marks a strategic milestone in New Delhi’s push for defence self-reliance amid growing pressure to modernise its ageing air force. The fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft will be produced through a partnership with India’s Tata group, as part of a broader effort to expand domestic manufacturing of...

Politics

49 h. ago Hong Kong firms must consider national interests in commercial deals: John Lee

Hong Kong businesses must consider national interests while pursuing commercial deals, the city’s leader has said, arguing that the two are not mutually exclusive. In an interview with the Post as he marked three years in office, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed the importance of local companies keeping national interests in mind while seeking profits. Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison Holdings has recently drawn the ire of Beijing over a controversial deal to sell its...

Economics

53 h. ago How BYD and Chinese peers are transforming Europe’s small EV market

Some of the world’s biggest carmakers are squaring off for a titanic battle over small cars in Europe, as native stalwarts like Volkswagen and Renault fight to maintain their hold on the market against an influx of cheap electric vehicles (EVs) from BYD and its Chinese peers. Last month, BYD, which surpassed Tesla last year as the world’s largest EV maker, launched its Dolphin Surf compact hatchback in Europe. The company’s most affordable model, known in China as the Seagull, is priced from...

Politics

65 h. ago Tech hub Shenzhen launches plan to support consumption, exporters amid trade war

China’s top export city and tech hub, Shenzhen, is stepping up efforts to boost domestic consumption and support exporters amid a turbulent trade war between Beijing and Washington. “Consumption is the fundamental driving force behind economic growth and development,” according to a 39-point plan released by the Shenzhen Municipal Development and Reform Commission on Friday. Shenzhen will leverage its strategic strengths in four key categories: artificial intelligence (AI) terminals, smart home...

Events

69 h. ago Labubu craze sweeps globe, highlights power China, Asia stars have on consumer trends

Asian and Chinese stars are rewriting the fashion industry playbook, turning niche favourites into global must-haves. The Post explores how celebrity choices shape style and consumption while reflecting the values of today’s fans. Lisa Labubu At 28, Lisa of the South Korean girl band Blackpink has more than 100 million social media followers and more than 1.9 billion online streams for her solo debut Lalisa. In April 2024, the Thai star posted photos with a Labubu plush toy and a matching...

Politics

69 h. ago Labubu craze sweeps globe, highlights power of China, Asia stars have on consumer trends

Asian and Chinese stars are rewriting the fashion industry playbook, turning niche favourites into global must-haves. The Post explores how celebrity choices shape style and consumption while reflecting the values of today’s fans. Lisa Labubu At 28, Lisa of the South Korean girl group Blackpink has more than 100 million social media followers and over 1.9 billion online streams for her solo debut, Lalisa. In April last year, the Thai star posted photos with a Labubu plush toy and a matching...

Politics

3 d. ago Japan ‘cutest’ Lolita character is singing dad, says girly look makes music softer

A Lolita-style singer and father of two in Japan believes dressing up in feminine clothes makes his music softer. Takuma Tani, 47, who is known for his outfits and vocals, has more than 20,000 followers on social media. Lolita fashion is a subculture and a style of dress that originated in Japan, in the 1990s. It is inspired by Victorian and Rococo styles. Tani started learning piano at the age of three and later studied vocal performance in Liverpool, England. After returning to Japan, he...

Politics

3 d. ago Japanese martial arts woman posts cute online photos, shows impressive moves

A young Japanese woman has wowed social media with photos of herself dressed in cute girlie styles while performing intimidating Chinese martial arts moves. The woman known as Inami is in her 30s and lives in Yokohama, a Japanese city south of Tokyo. She has amassed 140,000 followers on a social media platform and runs a martial arts school. Inami often poses in classic Chinese martial arts stances while dressing in cute clothing. Sometimes she performs with weapons like crescent blades or...

Politics

4 d. ago ‘Embarrassing’: how Hong Kong response to bitumen in water supply shows ‘flaws’

Hong Kong officials have faced criticism over their handling of the discovery of a banned substance in the water supply of two public housing estates, as lawmakers and experts accuse the administration of being slow to respond, failing to show accountability and lacking awareness. A veteran political analyst also called the government’s response “embarrassing”, saying it undermined the city’s efforts to show improvements in public welfare before an anticipated visit by a senior Beijing...

Politics

4 d. ago Tesla’s India entry appears in doubt after minister questions intent

Tesla’s long-anticipated push to manufacture cars in India appears to be stalling, after a senior minister cast doubt on the company’s intent – raising fresh questions about whether the electric vehicle giant is ready to commit to one of the world’s fastest-growing car markets. The remarks have highlighted a mismatch between India’s policy efforts to attract global carmakers and Tesla’s hesitant approach to committing new manufacturing investment – even as analysts believe the firm is still...

Politics

4 d. ago China’s Xi meets Panchen Lama, urges continued ‘sinicisation of religion’

Chinese President Xi Jinping met the Panchen Lama on Friday and called for continued efforts to promote the “sinicisation of religion”, state media reports said. The call from Xi comes exactly one month before the exiled Dalai Lama’s critical 90th birthday, when the Tibetan spiritual leader has indicated he may reveal his preferred method for choosing a successor. According to state news agency Xinhua, Xi received a visit from the Panchen Lama in Beijing and expressed hopes that he would “work...

Politics

4 d. ago Alarm over Hong Kong student suicides, but minister rejects calls for counsellors

Hong Kong’s education minister has dismissed suggestions to introduce counsellors at schools to address students’ mental health concerns, arguing that the issue should be tackled through concerted efforts across campus, rather than relying on a single individual. Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin told lawmakers on Friday that primary and secondary schools in the city had reported 11 suspected student suicide cases between January and April this year. This follows 28 such cases in...

Events

4 d. ago Caught in a bad bromance: Trump and Musk go for the throat – what just happened?

Hours after US President Donald Trump spoke with his Chinese counterpart on Thursday night and shared optimistic remarks about the call on social media, a public feud escalated between him and his biggest political donor. Elon Musk, once Trump’s most high-profile donor and self-proclaimed “first buddy”, lambasted the “big beautiful bill” earlier this week – one of Trump’s key domestic policy initiatives that was recently passed by the House – lighting the fuse on a public fight that quickly...

Politics

4 d. ago With kung fu kicks and dragon masks, pro wrestlers find new fans at fight night in China

With kung fu kicks and dragon masks, pro wrestlers find new fans at fight night in China  NBC News

Sport