🇨🇳 South China Morning Post
China · EN · https://www.scmp.com
About South China Morning Post
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) is an English-language newspaper based in Hong Kong, owned by Alibaba Group since 2016. Alibaba's acquisition raised concerns about the paper's editorial independence and potential for self-censorship, with critics alleging a mission to promote China's soft power abroad. Joseph Tsai, Alibaba's co-founder, stated a motive for the acquisition was to make media coverage of China "fair and accurate" from a non-Western perspective.
Media Bias/Fact Check rates the South China Morning Post as Left-Center biased based on editorial positions and 'Mixed' for factual reporting due to poor sourcing. Ad Fontes Media, however, rates it as 'Middle' for bias and 'Reliable, Analysis/Fact Reporting' for reliability. Since its acquisition by Alibaba, academic studies and critics have observed a shift in its editorial stance closer to the Chinese government's position, portraying the country in a more positive light and serving to promote China's soft power. This is particularly relevant given China's 'not-free' press freedom status, with Reporters Without Borders ranking China very low globally for press freedom. Concerns about editorial independence and self-censorship have been noted, including instances where sensitive news stories were reportedly downgraded.
Reading context
Outlets in China often work under tighter political or legal limits than in countries ranked as fully free for press. We keep each headline's original tone on purpose, so you can see how stories are usually framed for domestic readers.
Japan's US$10b Energy Shield: A Bid to Counter China in Southeast Asia?
- Japan pledged US$10 billion in energy support to Southeast Asian nations, aiming to counter China's regional influence. - The package includes credit lines for energy diversification, stockpiling, a…
Chinese tech giants, AI ‘godmother’ Li Fei-Fei race to seize the edge in world models
- Chinese tech giants and AI pioneer Li Fei-Fei are developing "world models" to extend AI beyond language to understanding the physical world. - Alibaba unveiled Happy Oyster, an open-ended model for…
Trade tensions make rest of world less keen to invest in US and China, survey finds
- Global companies are increasingly hesitant to invest in the US and China due to escalating trade tensions, according to a survey by Allianz Trade. - The United States is perceived as nearly twice as…
China's Central Bank Lifts Leverage Ratios for Foreign Lenders to Boost Outbound Investment
- China's central bank and foreign exchange regulator have increased the overseas-loan leverage ratio for foreign banks operating in the country from 0.5 to 1.5. - This move is intended to support Chi…
China's Qingzhou Robotic Spacecraft Tests Space Debris Capture
- China's prototype Qingzhou robotic spacecraft successfully tested capture and towing of non-cooperative space targets. - The tests pave the way for orbital tow trucks designed to clear space debris …
China Denounces 'Grave Violations' After Tokyo Embassy Faces Intrusion, Bomb Threat
- China's embassy in Japan reported a series of "terrorist threats" over the past month, including an intrusion and a bomb threat, which it described as "extremely egregious." - Incidents included a t…
China Warns Travelers to Avoid Seattle Airport Amidst Scholar Harassment Claims
- China's foreign ministry advised citizens to avoid Seattle-Tacoma International Airport due to alleged "malicious interrogation and harassment" of Chinese academics. - The ministry stated that aroun…
China Accelerates Hydrogen Strategy for Energy Resilience
- China is accelerating its hydrogen industry development to enhance national energy security amid global concerns. - The National Energy Administration (NEA) is shifting focus from pilot projects to …
Bye-bye, US? China’s Trade with Africa Benefits from Trump’s Policy Volatility
- Africa emerged as China's fastest-growing export market in Q1 2026, with trade up 32.1% year-on-year to $60.66 billion. - High-value shipments, including machinery, vehicles, and hi-tech equipment, …
Xi Jinping stresses 'patience' on Taiwan reunification in talks with opposition leader
- China's top leader Xi Jinping expressed a patient approach to Taiwan's reunification during a meeting with Taiwan's main opposition party leader. - Xi referenced Chinese fables emphasizing persevera…
China's top cities see home prices rise for first time in 10 months
- China's largest cities saw new home prices rise 0.2% in March, marking the first increase in 10 months. - Prices were flat in Beijing, rose in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, but analysts caution…
China trims US Treasury holdings as global ownership of US debt hits record
- China reduced its holdings of US Treasury securities by $1.1 billion in February, reaching $693.3 billion. - This reduction continues a broader downward trend, though overall foreign ownership of US…
Mark Mobius, pioneering emerging-market investor and China bull, dies at 89
- Mark Mobius, a renowned investor celebrated as the father of emerging markets, has passed away at the age of 89. - Mobius was a pioneer in investing in Hong Kong and mainland China, remaining a cons…
Beijing's 'Snowstorm' of Catkins: Authorities Sterilize Trees to Combat Allergy Season
- Beijing faces its annual
China Records 5% GDP Growth in First Quarter, On Track for Annual Target
- China's economy grew 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding forecasts and putting it on track to meet its annual target. - This growth marks an acceleration from the previous quarte…
China Doubles 'AI for Science' Computing Scale in 2 Months Using No US Chips
- China's largest AI computing cluster for scientific research has become operational, doubling its domestic AI accelerator chips in two months. - The Zhengzhou core node now houses 60,000 domesticall…
Trump says Iran war 'close to over,' but questions linger over options
- The US president stated the war with Iran is nearing its end, despite ongoing tensions and a stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz. - US forces have reportedly halted all maritime trade into and out of …
China's Oil Hoarding Claims: Data Shows Beijing Faces Supply Pressures Amid War
- US officials accuse China of hoarding oil and undermining global energy security amid the war on Iran. - Data suggests China faces its own supply pressures, while Beijing calls for an end to Middle …
Indonesian Public Donations for Iran Surpass Rp9 Billion
- Indonesian public donations for Iran have exceeded Rp9 billion as of mid-April 2026, with tens of thousands participating since the campaign began in March. - The Iranian Embassy in Indonesia expres…
Can Iran’s small, fast-attack boats challenge US Navy in Strait of Hormuz?
- Iran's small, fast-attack boats may pose a challenge to US naval blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz. - The US launched a naval blockade on Iranian maritime trade following the failure of pe…
Chinese Steelmakers Coordinate Response to EU’s Carbon-Linked Import Tariffs
- China's major steelmakers are coordinating strategies to counter the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes carbon-linked costs on imports. - The CBAM implementation is expect…
China tests deep-sea cable cutter at 3,500 meters
- China has successfully tested a device capable of cutting underwater structures at a depth of 3,500 meters. - The research vessel "Haiyang Dizhi 2" conducted the test, which could have military appl…
China-Russia Ties a Stabilizing Force in Turbulent World: Xi Jinping
- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, emphasizing the importance of China-Russia relations. - Xi described the bilateral partnership as a stabilizi…
US Controls AI Chips, But China Dominates the Token Economy
- Chinese AI models are surpassing American ones in token consumption on platforms like OpenRouter, indicating a shift in the AI economy. - While the US focuses on hardware export controls, a new cont…
China Criticizes Local Governments for 'Imprudent' Spending
- China's central government has criticized local authorities for "imprudent" fiscal spending, marking a shift in its campaign for officials to adopt a "correct view" of political performance. - Examp…
American views on China soften ahead of Trump-Xi summit
- American views on China have become more positive ahead of a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. - A Pew Research Centre survey found positive sentiment towards China has nearly doubled …
Chinese Rocket Force Scientist Major General Feng Yufang Dies Aged 63
- Major General Feng Yufang, a prominent missile scientist with China's PLA Rocket Force, died on April 13 at age 63. - He was an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and made significant…
Hormuz blockade: shipping industry slams transit fees as 20,000 seafarers still stranded
- The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) criticized proposed tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a
Top Scientist Zhang Kai Explains Why He Left Yale for China
- Renowned cryo-electron microscopy scientist Zhang Kai left Yale University to return to China. - Zhang cited the U.S. visa ban (10043) preventing a PhD student from returning as a key factor in his …
Xi Jinping’s meeting with Abu Dhabi crown prince highlights Gulf turn towards China
- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to strengthen the UAE-China strategic partnership. - Xi proposed a four-point plan to safeg…
US-Iran Talks Continue Amidst Trust Deficit and Nuclear Concerns
- US and Iran are reportedly nearing a potential deal after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, with Iran indicating a desire to negotiate. - Analysts suggest a limited settlement is possible despite a si…
IMF Cuts Global Growth Forecast, Cites Iran War Impact on China's Economy
- The IMF has lowered its global economic growth forecast to 3.1% for the year, citing shocks from the US-Israeli war in Iran. - China's GDP growth forecast is cut to 4.4%, missing Beijing's target du…
China wary as Japan eyes drone replacement for attack helicopters
- Japan plans to replace attack helicopters with multipurpose drones. - This initiative is part of the Defence Build-Up Programme, aiming to enhance reconnaissance and fire support capabilities. - The…
China Hits Out at ‘Dangerous and Irresponsible’ US Blockade of Iran’s Ports
- China has strongly condemned the US blockade of Iranian ports as "dangerous and irresponsible." - Beijing urged an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning the US actio…
EU quietly moves to cut Chinese inverters from clean tech funding
- The European Commission is planning to cut EU funding for clean technology projects that use Chinese inverters. - This move aims to support local manufacturers and address security concerns about po…
Kazakh sovereign fund issues Central Asia’s first panda bond in ‘milestone’ sale
- Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, has issued the first panda bond from Central Asia. - The fund sold 3 billion yuan (US$440 million) in China's onshore market at a record-low yield …
Xi Urges Spain to Jointly Resist 'Law of the Jungle' in Turbulent World
- Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Spain to jointly resist "the law of the jungle" and defend multilateralism in a turbulent world. - The call came during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro…
Hong Kong must go beyond its intermediary role to become a global anchor
- Hong Kong must evolve beyond its traditional intermediary role to remain competitive amidst global transformation. - The city needs to diversify its economy, strengthen domestic circulation, and red…
China turns to central Asia as US blockade in Hormuz chokes global energy flows
- China is increasing energy imports from Central Asia to mitigate disruptions caused by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. - Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang is visiting Turkmenistan to …
China quietly profits from US AI boom despite Washington’s tech curbs: research
- China is indirectly benefiting from the US artificial intelligence boom through its role in Asian technology supply chains, despite US efforts to curb its tech sector, according to Oxford Economics.…
Chinese Quantum Tech Shows Potential to Disrupt AI in Weather Prediction
- Chinese researchers developed a small-scale quantum system that can outperform expensive AI computing centers in specific tasks. - The quantum system, using nine interacting quantum spins, matched o…
Hong Kong aims to be China's quantum gateway despite US sanctions
- Hong Kong, the most US-sanctioned territory in China, aims to become an international technology hub. - The initiative, anchored by the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Coo…
Iran Conflict Exposes Jet Fuel Vulnerability, Disrupting Asia Air Travel
- Asia-Pacific air travel faces disruption due to soaring jet fuel prices and shortages, exacerbated by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. - The conflict has led to flight cancellations and capacity re…
Shenzhen's new party boss faces Apec test amid tech ambitions and scooter chaos
- Jin Lei, the new Communist Party chief of Shenzhen, faces his first major challenge preparing the city for the upcoming Apec summit. - His focus includes enhancing cooperation in areas like artifici…
EU chamber urges Brussels to resist passive role in US-China trade war
- The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China urges Brussels to actively engage in US-China trade negotiations rather than being a passive observer. - European companies have suffered significant …
Brazil Fires Labor Watchdog Chief After Blacklisting BYD for Slave-Like Conditions
- Brazil's government dismissed the head of its labor inspection authority, Luiz Felipe Brandao de Mello. - The dismissal occurred days after his office added Chinese EV giant BYD to a registry of emp…
To Compete With China, US Needs to Rebuild Rare Earth Talent From the Ground Up
- The US aims to reduce its reliance on China for rare earth minerals, but experts warn that talent is a critical, often overlooked, factor. - Decades of declining industrial know-how, a weak educatio…
As a Global Warring States Era Begins, China Must Plan for the Future
Chinese strategic elites perceive global politics shifting towards a 'Warring States era,' suggesting China's future hinges more on its political vision than economic power. This perspective contrasts…
US Blockades Iranian Ports Amidst Ceasefire Concerns
The US announced a blockade of ships entering or departing Iranian ports, effective Monday 10 am US eastern time. However, the US clarified it would not impede vessels to and from non-Iranian ports. I…
China: Open Strait of Hormuz Vital for Global Interests Amidst US Blockade Threat
China has called for a ceasefire in the Iran conflict, stating that maintaining the Strait of Hormuz's openness is crucial for international trade and energy. This comes as US President Donald Trump t…
Victory Giant joins IPO push by China’s circuit-board makers amid AI frenzy
Victory Giant Technology, a key supplier to Nvidia, has launched an IPO in Hong Kong aiming to raise up to HK$17.49 billion (US$2.2 billion), marking the largest listing in the city this year. The mov…
