🇨🇳 South China Morning Post
China · EN · https://www.scmp.com
About South China Morning Post
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) was founded in 1903 and is currently owned by Alibaba Group, a Chinese e-commerce and technology conglomerate, which acquired the media assets in 2015. Alibaba's stated motivation for the acquisition was to present a more 'fair and accurate' portrayal of China to the world and counter perceived Western media bias.
Since its acquisition by Alibaba in 2016, concerns have been raised by critics, including The New York Times and The Atlantic, regarding the SCMP's editorial independence and its alleged mission to promote China's soft power abroad. Academic studies have indicated a shift in the paper's editorial stance closer to the Chinese government, portraying the country in a positive light. Media Bias/Fact Check rates its factual reporting as 'Mixed due to poor sourcing'. The outlet has faced controversies, such as the alleged rejection of an investigation into human rights abuses in Xinjiang and a controversial interview with a detained Chinese activist, which raised questions about Beijing's influence. Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House consistently rank China as 'not-free' in terms of press freedom, with RSF calling China 'the world's largest jailer of journalists'.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
Chinese coastguard's weapon use risk estimated at 0.3% in war game
- Chinese coastguard researchers used a computer war game to simulate tense maritime encounters. - Findings indicated a 0.3% probability of using lethal weapons under the existing command system. - An…
Xi, Putin to discuss Power of Siberia 2 pipeline in Bishkek meeting
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet in Bishkek on Monday to discuss the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project. - This meeting will be their second face-to-face …
Japan to deploy fighter jets to India for joint military exercise
- Japan will deploy fighter jets to India for the first time for a joint training exercise, Veer Guardian 26, between September 9 and 21. - The deployment of three F-2 fighter jets and approximately 1…
Gulf states seek new defense partners as Iran war strains US, China assurances
- Gulf states are reassessing their defense strategies due to the ongoing war in Iran, seeking new partners as they perceive neither the US nor China can guarantee their security. - This strategic shi…
Tibet landslide: Officer filmed guiding people to safety before mudslide
- A police officer in Tibet, identified as Huang Peng, was filmed attempting to guide civilians to safety moments before a catastrophic mudslide struck a border post. - The officer reportedly urged pe…
China's hi-tech push maps linguistic diversity over 10 years
- China has spent a decade collecting recordings and materials of its linguistic diversity from over 1,800 sites nationwide. - A new language resources hall at the Hunan Museum displays these archives…
AI translations could make China's political language sound more threatening, scholar warns
- A scholar warns that artificial intelligence translations of China's political language could inadvertently make Beijing's messaging sound more threatening internationally. - The article suggests Ch…
China-Nepal border floods: 2 survivors pulled from rubble near Tibet crossing
- Chinese rescuers are searching for survivors of severe floods along the Nepal border, with the critical 72-hour window having passed. - Two villagers were rescued near the Gyirong border checkpoint,…
China Tests Stealth Drone as Advanced 'Drone Carrier' Warship Conducts Sea Trials
- China's GJ-21 stealth drone, a naval variant of the GJ-11, has been spotted during flight tests this month. - These tests occurred as the Type 076 Sichuan, China's most advanced amphibious assault s…
Taiwan's debt tactics offer a stark warning to its allies
- Taiwan is accused of weaponizing debt against its allies, a narrative often overshadowed by concerns about China's lending practices. - Grenada faced severe economic hardship after Hurricane Ivan in…
US Treasury sanctions Hong Kong firm over alleged Iran money laundering
- The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Hong Kong-based Kameng Trading Limited for allegedly laundering money for Iran's Pedram Pirouzan Exchange House. - This action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to incr…
Tibet's Gateway to South Asia Faces Hurdles from Geography and Geopolitics
- A new international land port in Shigatse, Tibet, is central to Beijing's strategy to link the region with South Asia. - The project aims to process hundreds of trucks daily by 2030, facilitating cu…
US-China AI Rivalry Need Not Block Cooperation
- AI presents global risks like cyberattacks and misinformation, necessitating international cooperation for safety. - Geopolitical competition, exemplified by China's Waico and the US's Pax Silica in…
US and China Must Cooperate to Secure Global Maritime Trade Routes
- Recent tensions in the Strait of Hormuz underscore the growing global concern over the security of key maritime trade routes. - Disruptions to these vital waterways, whether through conflict or geop…
China's asteroid defense project leader Gong Zizheng dies at 61
- Gong Zizheng, a key scientist in China's asteroid defense project and a pioneer in space debris research, has died at 61. - He was a top government adviser and a prominent leader in international sp…
China-Nepal floods highlight need for joint early warning systems for rail project
- Recent devastating floods on the China-Nepal border have highlighted the need for joint early-warning systems. - The floods impacted Gyirong Port, a key trade gateway and a proposed site for a trans…
Xi-Trump Summit Plans, Nepal Disaster, SCO Summit
- Chinese President Xi Jinping may lead a business delegation to Washington for a summit with US President Donald Trump next month. - The potential delegation is part of negotiations ahead of a Septem…
Bangladesh confirms Chinese J-10CE jet deal, citing Rafale kill in India-Pakistan clash
- Bangladesh has confirmed a deal to purchase Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with a draft proposal submitted for approval. - The decision is partly based on the J-10CE's reported performance against Ind…
China pledges to send urgent emergency aid to Nepal after deadly landslide
- China's top leadership has pledged to send urgent emergency aid to Nepal following a devastating flash flood and landslide on their shared border. - The disaster has resulted in significant casualti…
DR Congo peace deal could boost US mining interests, but China's dominance looms
- A peace plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo could provide U.S. investors access to the Rubaya coltan deposit and other mineral-rich areas. - Despite potential U.S. gains, China's long-standing …
Australia risks exclusion from top science by cutting Chinese university ties
- Australia has ended partnerships with two Chinese universities on national security grounds, following a directive from Foreign Minister Penny Wong. - The Australian National University confirmed it…
Typhoon Saudel Disrupts Travel as it Makes Double Landfall in China
- Typhoon Saudel made landfall twice in China's eastern Zhejiang province, disrupting transportation. - Flights and ferry services in major cities including Ningbo and Shanghai were suspended or cance…
US Visa Interviews Halted; China Criticizes New Iran Sanctions
- US visa interviews are currently on hold globally, with new restrictions affecting student and work visas, and increased scrutiny on citizenship. - China has strongly criticized the latest round of …
Climate Change Poses Growing Threat to Taiwan Strait Military Readiness
- Climate change and extreme weather in East Asia present growing challenges for military planners, particularly concerning potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait. - Extreme weather risks include da…
China-Nepal border disaster death toll nears 500 as lake overflow threatens rescue
- Catastrophic flash floods and mudslides at the China-Nepal border have claimed hundreds of lives and left many missing. - A massive Himalayan landslide triggered a debris flow traveling at up to 200…
China performs world's first commercial brain-computer interface surgery
- Chinese surgeons performed the world's first commercial surgery implanting an invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) device in a patient with a spinal cord injury. - This achievement places China a…
Iran expert discusses China's balancing act amid US and Israel conflict
- Trita Parsi, an expert on US-Iranian relations, analyzes China's geopolitical strategy. - The analysis focuses on China's balancing act between the US, Iran, and Israel. - Parsi, born in Iran, has e…
Xi's anti-graft campaign expands beyond economic crime to political loyalty
- President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has expanded significantly beyond economic crimes. - An analysis of 423 senior officials' cases shows a shift towards punishing political loyalty, dis…
US immigration interviews halted, visa restrictions tighten
- US embassies globally have postponed immigrant visa interviews to train officers on a stricter "public charge" test, assessing reliance on public benefits. - This policy, requiring comprehensive and…
Trump hints at sanctions on Chinese banks over Iran ties before Xi's expected US visit
- President Trump suggested the US may sanction Chinese banks for their business ties with Iran. - The remarks were made shortly before an anticipated visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Washington …
US Should Adopt China's Tech Transfer Strategy, Experts Advise
- US experts propose adopting China's industrial strategy by selectively opening sectors to Chinese investment to facilitate technology transfers. - They argue that simply blocking Chinese technology …
Chinese executives may join Xi’s US trip as trade truce extension nears
- Chinese and US officials are discussing the potential inclusion of business leaders in President Xi Jinping's delegation for his upcoming US visit. - Both nations are preparing to extend a one-year …
Southeast Asia skeptical of US 'flexible realism' offer
- US undersecretary for defense policy Elbridge Colby promoted "flexible realism" in Southeast Asia, stressing practical interests and a pragmatic approach. - Colby sought to reassure regional allies …
Brazil's rare earth magnet production unlikely before 2032, researchers say
- Brazil's rare earth magnet production is not expected before 2032, according to a pilot plant coordinator. - The country currently relies on imported inputs and Asian process technology for magnet p…
China's nuclear power expansion unlikely to be halted by climate extremes
- China's nuclear power expansion is unlikely to be affected by climate extremes, unlike in Europe. - European nuclear reactors are facing disruptions due to hot and dry weather, leading to shutdowns.…
US Lawmakers Condemn Podcast's Call for Chinese-American Internment
- US Asian-American lawmakers denounced a right-wing podcast for suggesting the internment of Chinese-Americans in a hypothetical war with China. - The lawmakers warned that such rhetoric incites hatr…
Himalayan glacier collapse devastates China-Nepal trade route, casualties mount
- A catastrophic glacier collapse in the Himalayas caused a flash flood and mudslide, devastating the vital Gyirong Port crossing on the China-Nepal border. - The disaster has significantly disrupted …
Typhoon Saudel prompts flight and ferry cancellations in eastern China
- Typhoon Saudel is approaching China's eastern Zhejiang province, prompting significant disruptions. - Numerous flights have been canceled at airports in Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Zhoushan. - Saudel is ex…
How Shenzhen can win the ‘AI for science’ race
- The global competition in artificial intelligence is shifting towards "AI for science," focusing on accelerating scientific discovery cycles. - Nations like the US and China are investing in integra…
China must prepare for US sea-power competition, academic says
- A Chinese academic advises China to prepare for sea-power competition with the U.S. by focusing on "mastery of the oceans." - Di Dongsheng suggests directing overseas investment returns into defense…
Beijing's trees may be creating ozone smog, study finds
- Scientists have identified compounds released by trees in Beijing as a likely source of ozone pollution, puzzling researchers who expected cleaner air due to electric vehicles. - The study found tha…
Japan rapidly procures anti-drone system amid China's military expansion
- Japan's defense ministry has rapidly procured a domestically built interceptor drone, the Terra Drone's Terra B1 system, in under three months. - This marks the first time the ministry has used its …
China-Nepal Border Disaster: Over 1,000 Missing After Mudslide and Flash Flood
- A devastating mudslide and flash flood hit the China-Nepal border region on Wednesday, impacting the Gyirong Port area. - The disaster has resulted in at least 160 confirmed deaths and over 1,000 pe…
China Launches World's First Bamboo-Framed Floating Solar Farm
- China has launched the world's first floating solar farm utilizing bamboo frames, a more eco-friendly approach to offshore energy. - The 100kW platform, named Jilin-2, is made of composite bamboo an…
Bill Gates Urges US-China Cooperation on AI Governance
- Bill Gates called for cooperation between the US and China to manage the societal impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). - He warned that AI could usher in "one of the most turbulent times in huma…
China's resource-rich regions hit hardest by Xi's anti-corruption campaign
- China's resource-rich and less developed regions have been most affected by President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign. - Research by the South China Morning Post analyzed data on high-ranking …
US seizes Chinese hacking platforms targeting Nasa, Fed and Senate
- The U.S. Justice Department and FBI have seized two Chinese state-sponsored online platforms used for hacking critical U.S. infrastructure. - The platforms, operated by China-based Nanjing Xinjiuwei…
In a small Virginia town, distrust of Big Tech hampers Trump’s AI push
- A proposed data center campus in southern Virginia faces local opposition over environmental concerns and secrecy surrounding its approval. - Vic Ingram, head of a regional economic development body…
Could the delay to China’s moon mission ease pressure on Nasa?
- China has postponed its Chang'e-7 moon mission, originally scheduled for launch this week, until next year. - The mission aims to search for water ice near the moon's south pole. - While the delay m…
No gym needed: scientists in China develop self-exercising muscle grafts
- Scientists in China have developed a self-exercising muscle graft that can be injected under the skin. - In mice, these "myografts" improved muscle mass, bone density, endurance, liver function, and…
China makes officials liable for environmental damage for life
- China has reinstated lifelong accountability for officials regarding serious environmental damage that occurs during their tenure. - Revised rules link environmental efforts to performance assessmen…
Frustration in China as US freezes green card interviews worldwide, citing ‘training’
- US consulates worldwide are canceling immigrant visa interviews, causing frustration among applicants in China. - An immigration agent reported that the Guangzhou consulate abruptly canceled all int…
China’s multilateral pitch is finding an audience
- As the U.S. withdraws from multilateralism, China is positioning itself as an advocate for international cooperation. - Beijing's interests now align with preserving the existing world order, surpri…
Zelensky asks China to use diplomatic weight to end Ukraine war
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged China to use its diplomatic influence to help end Russia's war against Ukraine. - Zelensky highlighted the importance of peace as a shared achievement an…
China Coastal Regions on High Alert as Typhoon Saudel Approaches
- China's coastal regions in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces are on high alert due to Typhoon Saudel. - The typhoon caused flight cancellations in Taiwan and Hong Kong, with more expected as it approach…
Ming dynasty work shows how Chinese understood the world in the 1600s
- A 17th-century Ming dynasty encyclopaedia, the Tushu Bian, offers a unique Chinese perspective on human knowledge. - Compiled by scholar Zhang Huang, the 127-volume work documented concepts of heave…
Trump-Backed Darline Graham Wins South Carolina Senate Nomination Despite Taiwan Debate Gaffe
- Darline Graham secured the Republican nomination for a Senate seat in South Carolina, despite a debate stumble over Taiwan. - Graham, appointed to the seat after her brother's death, is backed by Pr…
Could Apec's Rules Help Close the Growing AI Gap Between Rich and Poor?
- A widening AI gap exists between developed and developing nations, prompting calls for fairer governance. - Global South countries often lack the infrastructure and talent to effectively utilize AI.…
Xi’s anti-corruption fighters target officials outside Beijing and after retirement
- President Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign has increasingly targeted officials outside Beijing and even after retirement. - A data project by the South China Morning Post found that 60% of seni…
Africa knows who its true friends are – and they’re not in Washington
- A US State Department presentation mislabelling African countries symbolizes a disconnect between Washington's rhetoric and its actions towards the continent. - While the US speaks of "mutually bene…
Virginia residents push back against data center, dispute Trump's China claims
- Residents in Sterling, Virginia, are experiencing negative impacts from a nearby data center, including noise and light pollution. - US President Donald Trump suggested foreign influence, specifical…
Industrial fire kills 3, including 2 Chinese citizens, in Russia’s far east
- A fire at a petrochemical plant in Russia's Amur region killed three people. - Two of the deceased were Chinese citizens, and one was Russian. - Over 100 people were injured in the blaze at the Amur…
China seeks public tips on procurement violations as PLA Rocket Force probe continues
- China's military procurement website is soliciting public tips on suspected corruption within the Rocket Force. - The anti-corruption campaign targets suppliers, bidding agencies, experts, and milit…
Brazil fines TikTok record US$30 million for profiting from children’s data
- Brazil's data protection authority fined TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, a record US$30 million. - The penalty stems from violations related to the handling of children's data on the platform. -…
China sends archaeologists to South America to trace ancestral links for the first time
- Chinese archaeologists are undertaking their first field project in South America, seeking ancestral links. - The collaboration with Peru will involve surveys and excavations in the Caral archaeolog…
US Admits Defeat in China Minerals Race; Brazil Eyes Processing Power
- Brazil's Mines and Energy Minister stated that the US conceded it lost the critical minerals race to China. - The US is investing billions in Brazilian mines, but Brazil aims to process minerals dom…
US-China talks aim for 'normal stability' with manageable disagreements
- A senior Chinese official urged the US and China to pursue "normal stability with controllable disagreements" in their relationship. - During semi-official talks, the official called for expanding s…
China's anti-corruption legal framework set to expand internationally
- China's top legislature is reviewing a draft law to combat cross-border corruption. - The proposed Anti-Cross-Border Corruption Law aims to expand China's anti-graft legal framework internationally.…
Debate star and physicist Guo Yanliang leaves a top European quantum lab for China
- Physicist and former debater Guo Yanliang has left a top European quantum lab to establish his own research group in Beijing. - Guo cites China's research environment as more aligned with his long-t…
How China’s anti-corruption fight became Xi Jinping’s most important policy
- China's anti-corruption campaign, initiated by President Xi Jinping, has become a central policy of the Communist Party. - The campaign has expanded significantly, leading to punishments for 983,000…
Forcing women to drink at business dinners has no place in modern China
- A female employee in Hangzhou allegedly faced assault at a business drinking party. - The incident brought back memories for the author, who experienced similar pressures a decade ago. - The author …
US targets China’s telecoms grip in Venezuela with new sanctions carve-out
- The US Treasury Department issued general licenses easing some sanctions on Venezuela's telecommunications sector. - These licenses specifically exclude Chinese, Russian, Iranian, North Korean, and …
Shein's Everlane Acquisition Faces US National Security Review
- US authorities are reviewing Shein's acquisition of Everlane on national security grounds. - The review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (Cfius) began after the $80 million deal clos…
Mainland China’s ship activity near Taiwan hits record for third month in a row
- Mainland Chinese government vessel activity near Taiwan reached record levels for the third consecutive month in August. - Taiwan's defense ministry reported 118 detections of Chinese coastguard, su…
China, Jordan call for Strait of Hormuz to reopen, urge U.S.-Iran ceasefire maintenance
- China and Jordan urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping and called for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire to be maintained. - Both nations seek a comprehensive solution to regional tensions t…
US, China Diplomats Clash Over Tech Spying and Trade Hub Claims in Latin America
- US and Chinese diplomats in Latin America have exchanged sharp criticism on social media regarding espionage risks from Chinese tech firms. - The US cited companies like Huawei, ZTE, Hikvision, and …
Taiwan unveils Strong Bow anti-ballistic missile specs in push for US$1.13 billion funding
- Taiwan's National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) has revealed specifications for its Strong Bow anti-ballistic missile system. - The system, also known as Tien Kung IV, is d…
Banking veteran Li Yun appointed Shenzhen's acting mayor ahead of Apec summit
- Li Yun, a banking veteran with over two decades of financial experience, has been appointed deputy Communist Party secretary and acting mayor of Shenzhen. - Shenzhen is preparing to host the Asia-Pa…
China team brings X-ray vision to life with a compact high-speed ghost video cam
- Chinese scientists developed a compact, high-speed "ghost imaging" camera using X-rays. - The system enables real-time "see-through" video of fast-moving objects with lower radiation and a simpler s…
Remembering Zhu Rongji and understanding his legacy
- China is mourning the death of former Premier Zhu Rongji, prompting reflections on his legacy. - Zhu served as premier from 1998 during a period of significant economic transition for China. - The a…
Chinese archaeologists heading to Peru for first joint project to explore ancient sites
- Chinese archaeologists will undertake their first joint field project in South America, exploring ancient Peruvian sites. - The collaboration between China's Institute of Archaeology and Peru's Mini…
Orange lichen in your backyard could signal rare earth deposits, Chinese scientists find
- A Chinese research team discovered that a vibrant orange-yellow lichen can indicate the presence of rare earth deposits. - This discovery could aid in identifying potential rare earth-bearing carbon…
China postpones historic moon ice-drilling mission
- China has postponed its Chang'e-7 mission, which aimed to drill for ice near the moon's south pole. - The mission, involving an orbiter, lander, rover, and hopper, was scheduled to launch on a Long …
The African firms adopting Chinese AI as US-China rivalry intensifies
- African businesses are adopting a pragmatic approach to AI, using Chinese models alongside Western ones based on value and flexibility. - Nigerian firm Curacel uses Chinese AI models like Zhipu AI's…
Gaokao reforms could leave Chinese public vulnerable to pseudo-history, top academic warns
- A top academic warns that China's secondary school students are dropping history as an exam subject, potentially making the public vulnerable to pseudo-history. - Liu Linhai, dean of history at Beij…
China develops AI-powered system for custom plant immunity
- Chinese scientists developed an AI-guided platform to engineer custom plant immune receptors for rapid disease response. - This system allows for the quick design of receptors to detect pathogens, t…
India launches rescue mission as Panama-flagged cargo ship sinks off east coast
- India's maritime rescue agency lost contact with a Panama-flagged cargo ship, the Ocean Winner, which subsequently sank off the eastern coast. - The vessel carried 24 crew members: 20 Chinese, three…
How Pacific nations walk a tightrope between Western security and Chinese trade
- Pacific island nations are leveraging geopolitical competition between China and Western countries to secure benefits from both sides. - Western nations, particularly Australia, are signing defense …
Chinese J-16 fighters arrive in Egypt ahead of Eagles of Civilisation 2026 joint drill
- Chinese J-16 fighter jets have arrived in Egypt for the "Eagles of Civilisation 2026" joint military exercise. - This marks the first deployment of the J-16 to Africa and follows China's participati…
China's EV boom presents 'unparalleled opportunity' for Africa, companies say
- African companies view China's large electric vehicle production as a significant opportunity for cost optimization and technology access. - China leads the global EV industry, producing nearly 75% …
Mainland Chinese research ship spotted near Taiwan’s largest naval base
- A Chinese research ship was spotted near Taiwan's main naval base, marking its second appearance in recent months. - The vessel, identified as the Tong Ji, was 28 nautical miles southwest of the isl…
Chemist Liu Jiawei moves from Singapore to Hong Kong to start her own lab
- Materials scientist Liu Jiawei moved from Singapore to Hong Kong to establish her own research lab. - She sought a location closer to family in mainland China while maintaining a high-standard inter…
Why Chinese foreign minister’s trip to South Korea ‘dealt a low blow’ to Seoul
- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited South Korea, but declined to support Seoul's push for multiparty peace talks involving North Korea. - North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles the da…
TikTok, ByteDance agree to US$400 million settlement with US over children’s privacy suit
- TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have agreed to a US$400 million settlement with the US Justice Department over children's privacy violations. - The lawsuit accused the app of collecting pers…
China and US push Southeast Asia over AI blocs, testing region’s non-alignment
- The US and China are pressuring Southeast Asian nations to join their respective artificial intelligence blocs, testing the region's non-alignment policy. - China is promoting its World Artificial I…
China's Trade Grip Tightens on Europe as October Deadline Looms
- Trade balances for 24 EU member states worsened in July compared to the previous year, with China's surplus growing. - China's surplus increased significantly with Sweden, Malta, Romania, and Finlan…
China uses Jiang Zemin centenary to signal political continuity
- China commemorated the centenary of former leader Jiang Zemin's birth, using the event to signal political continuity and reaffirm his legacy. - President Xi Jinping highlighted Jiang's contribution…
Will other Southeast Asian countries follow Indonesia’s example with joint China drill?
- China and Indonesia recently conducted a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan, sparking speculation about similar actions by other Southeast Asian nations. - The exercise was followed by a meeting of…
Europe's AI sovereignty push relies on China's Z.ai
- French AI firm Mistral AI plans to offer European-controlled AI infrastructure using models from other companies, including China's Zhipu (Z.ai). - This strategy aims for "European infrastructure fo…
China’s drone production capacity can only meet 60% of war demand: study
- A study suggests China's drone production capacity would only meet 60% of its military demand during a conflict, even if fully mobilized. - The estimate was generated by an AI model analyzing a mult…
