🇨🇳 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.
US Bolsters AI Stance on China as Concerns Grow Over Technological Gap
- The US is strengthening its AI policy towards China amid concerns Beijing is closing the technological gap. - A US AI executive estimates a six-to-nine-month lead over Chinese competitors, accusing …
14-nation South China Sea statement is an expansionist overreach
- A coalition of 14 nations issued a statement on the 10th anniversary of the South China Sea ruling, urging compliance with the 2016 Hague decision. - The article argues this statement represents an …
Trump intelligence pick to play ‘helpful’ role in agreeing economic strategy with China
- A nominee for U.S. director of national intelligence stated he could help shape economic strategy with China. - The nominee, Jay Clayton, identified terrorism, drug trafficking, and traditional adve…
EU accuses China of seeking to reshape global order in stark new strategy paper
- The European Union has issued a strong critique of China's global ambitions in a new strategy paper. - The paper accuses Beijing of attempting to reshape the international order to suit its interest…
Global views of China and Xi improve as perceptions of US decline, Pew survey finds
- A Pew Research Centre survey indicates a rebound in global views of China and President Xi Jinping, coinciding with a decline in confidence in the United States. - The survey of over 45,000 people a…
US-Iran war: is Trump falling into a Vietnam ‘quagmire’?
- The US reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and conducted new strikes, escalating the five-month conflict. - Oil prices rose as renewed hostilities disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.…
China's Space Race Edge May Lie in a Thin Metal Cap
- The U.S. and China are competing in a space race where the ability to mass-produce propellant tank domes, crucial for reusable rockets, could provide a decisive advantage. - China is reportedly deve…
Award-winning chemist Zhang Wei leaves US to join China’s Great Bay University
- Award-winning chemist Zhang Wei has left his position at the University of Colorado Boulder to join China's Great Bay University. - Zhang will serve as deputy dean and chair professor in the physica…
China is now world's No 1 science power, says top Russian scientist
- Russian scientist Artem Oganov, a recipient of China's top international science award, declared China the world's No. 1 science power. - Oganov noted that China now accounts for a third of global s…
China report warns against European-led Nato 3.0 expansion in Asia-Pacific
- A Chinese think tank report warns that a European-led "Nato 3.0" expansion into the Asia-Pacific could increase tensions. - The China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) sugge…
‘China’s real-life transformer’: new rescue tech used in dramatic flood evacuation
- A new foldable, self-propelled pontoon barge has proven effective in rescuing thousands during recent massive floods in China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. - The versatile vessel, described as…
Chinese Apps Suspected of Disabling Delhi E-rickshaws, Sparking Security Probe
- Several e-rickshaws in New Delhi reportedly stopped working mid-ride due to alleged tampering by Chinese battery management apps. - The apps, including BAT-BMS, Epoch Li-ion, and Lossigy, are suspec…
Chinese University to Drop English Classes, Citing AI Translation
- A Chinese university plans to phase out traditional English classes, replacing them with courses focused on intercultural communication. - The university cites the advancement of AI translation tool…
Taiwan's TPP Launches Historic First Delegation to Mainland China for Dialogue
- The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has dispatched its first official delegation to mainland China since its inception. - The visit aims to foster cross-strait peace through dialogue, focusing on youth …
How Beijing’s islands of control are reshaping the South China Sea
- A decade after rejecting an international arbitration ruling, China continues to assert control over South China Sea islands. - Tree Island, also known as Zhaoshu in China and Dao Cay in Vietnam, no…
Boko Haram exploited US and Chinese AI chatbots for attacks, Cambridge study finds
- Boko Haram members received training on using AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Chinese DeepSeek's chatbot. - A Cambridge University study found the group used these AI tools for bomb constructi…
China's Net-Catch Rocket Recovery Sparks Cost Debate
- China successfully recovered a reusable rocket booster using a giant net deployed from a ship. - This unconventional method, used by the Long March-10B, differs from SpaceX and Blue Origin's landing…
Chinese scientist Lu Yaxiang recognized for 'impossible' sodium battery breakthrough
- Scientist Lu Yaxiang is recognized for his decade-long work on making sodium-ion batteries commercially viable. - His research earned him the China Youth May Fourth Medal, a top honor for achievers …
China pledges deeper ties with Solomon Islands after regional missile test unease
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Solomon Islands counterpart, pledging to deepen ties and offering unconditional support. - The meeting followed a Chinese missile test that drew protests acr…
China's quiet industry vs. loud U.S. innovation
- The article contrasts the "loud" innovation and public leadership style of the US with China's "quiet" focus on industrial capacity and manufacturing. - US tech leaders like Elon Musk and Jensen Hua…
China's No. 4 official Wang Huning to visit North Korea amid rising exchanges
- China's fourth-highest-ranking official, Wang Huning, is set to visit North Korea for an official goodwill visit. - The visit follows a recent trip by North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song to Beijing, …
Former Politburo member Ma Xingrui dismissed after corruption investigation
- Former Politburo member Ma Xingrui has been dismissed from public office and removed from the party following an anti-corruption investigation. - Ma, 67, is the third Politburo member to face invest…
China's Missile Test Exposes Weaknesses in Global Nuclear Governance
- China conducted a routine missile test with a dummy warhead in the Pacific, notifying relevant countries. - Australia, Japan, the US, and Pacific nations expressed concerns over insufficient notific…
Chinese medical device makers push into Europe as anti-corruption squeeze bites at home
- Chinese medical device companies are increasing their presence in the European market due to domestic anti-corruption measures and profit pressures. - Government-backed hospital purchases of medical…
AI homework tools cut exam scores by 20%, study of 26,000 Chinese students finds
- A study of 26,000 Chinese students found AI tools boost homework scores but lower exam results by 20%. - The negative impact on learning, termed a "brain drain," takes two years to fully manifest. -…
Will Manila and Hanoi’s maritime deal challenge Beijing in the South China Sea?
- The Philippines and Vietnam have elevated their strategic partnership, agreeing to improve coast guard coordination and establish a hotline. - This move aims to enhance maritime cooperation and prev…
US National Science Foundation to ban projects with flagged Chinese institutions
- The U.S. National Science Foundation will prohibit collaborations with Chinese research institutions designated as restricted entities. - This new policy shifts away from balancing security risks wi…
US tariff probe unlikely to derail fall Xi-Trump meeting: analysts
- US tariff investigations against China and other trading partners are unlikely to derail the planned September meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, analysts say. - The prob…
Pentagon invests US$25 million into rare earths start-up ReElement Technologies
- The U.S. Department of Defense is investing $25 million in rare earths start-up ReElement Technologies. - This investment is part of a larger U.S. effort to increase domestic supplies of critical mi…
US to restore Iran blockade, charge fees for Strait of Hormuz shipping
- President Trump announced the U.S. will reinstate a blockade specifically targeting Iranian vessels and commercial traffic trading with Iran. - Vessels not trading with Iran will be allowed passage …
Pan Jianwei becomes first Chinese scientist to win the top UN basic science prize
- Chinese quantum scientist Pan Jianwei won the UN's top fundamental science prize for his work in quantum computation and communications. - He was honored for developing the Micius satellite, enablin…
Taiwan's new military outsourcing plan: a pragmatic fix or security risk?
- Taiwan's armed forces will pilot a program outsourcing guard duties at military academies to private security firms. - The initiative aims to free up military personnel for core combat missions. - C…
What China’s carrier recruitment drive says about PLA Navy’s long-term ambitions
- China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is overhauling its pilot recruitment and training to support long-range operations. - The navy is shifting from relying on experienced aviators to recruit…
China rejects US, Panamanian claims of ‘weaponising’ ship inspections
- China has rejected accusations from the US and Panama that it is "weaponizing" ship inspections. - Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that inspections of Panama-flagged ships are routine saf…
Japan's South China Sea military potential may exceed U.S., analyst warns
- A prominent Chinese maritime analyst warns Japan's growing military presence in the South China Sea poses a greater destructive potential than the U.S. - Wu Shicun cited Japan's increased military d…
China's Drug Industry Embraces AI to Power Next Wave of Global Deals
- China's cross-border deals for innovative drugs reached a record $110 billion in the first half of 2026. - The sector is now shifting focus to artificial intelligence-powered drug candidates to fuel…
China mandates car connectivity as US tightens ban over security fears
- China will mandate vehicle connectivity as part of its automotive safety standards, effective January next year. - This move comes as the US strengthens its ban on Chinese cars over national securit…
China achieves reusable orbital rocket capability with novel sea-capture technique
- China has successfully achieved controlled recovery of a reusable orbital space rocket, becoming the second nation after the United States to possess this capability. - The maiden launch of its Long…
China's island-building at Antelope Reef nears completion, infrastructure phase begins
- Satellite images suggest China's extensive land reclamation project at Antelope Reef in the South China Sea is nearing completion. - Recent observations show cargo barges replacing dredgers, indicat…
China's optical chip breakthrough boosts AI speed 100-fold using fraction of compute power
- Chinese researchers developed an all-optical interconnect system linking standard electronic chips. - The system boosts AI distributed inference speeds by over 100 times while using only one-ninth o…
Schools and tourist sites closed as Typhoon Bavi heads through northern China
- Typhoon Bavi caused widespread flooding and disruptions in northeastern China, leading to school and work closures. - Authorities suspended classes, closed tourist sites, and advised remote work as …
Japanese Astronomical Society ex-president Shigeru Ida joins China’s Westlake University
- Renowned theoretical astrophysicist Shigeru Ida has joined China's Westlake University as a distinguished fellow. - Ida, former president of the Astronomical Society of Japan, brings over four decad…
China won't rule out Scarborough Shoal construction, says expert
- China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies president Wu Shicun discussed Beijing's potential responses to rival claimants in the South China Sea. - Wu criticized the Philippines' "assert…
Beijing renews attacks on landmark South China Sea tribunal on ruling’s 10th anniversary
- Beijing reiterated its criticism of a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its expansive South China Sea claims. - China's ambassador to the Philippines called the ruling a "thorn" an…
Thousands of flights cancelled as Typhoon Bavi hits eastern China bringing heavy rains
- Typhoon Bavi made landfall in eastern China, leading to the cancellation of over 2,800 flights and significant train service disruptions. - More than 2.4 million people were evacuated from areas in …
Taiwan military gains 5,000 volunteers, but ‘real problem’ is retention
- Taiwan's volunteer military force has unexpectedly grown by over 5,000 personnel in the past year, despite demographic challenges. - Lawmakers attribute this increase primarily to government pay rai…
How a book on China's rise shaped a life and views amid US rivalry
- A book about China's transformation profoundly impacted a young American reader, shaping his life's trajectory. - The book, "China Wakes," chronicled China's changes under Deng Xiaoping's economic r…
China-India diplomats shake hands, but web users wage war online
- Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong faced a nationalist backlash online, with users accusing him of neglecting his duties. - Social media users expressed anger over China's recent diplomatic over…
AI's economic impact: A divisive blessing with potential for crises
- Artificial intelligence is expected to create a divided economic landscape, benefiting tech-linked economies while leaving others behind and potentially signaling financial crises. - The IMF project…
Overlapping US and China sanctions complicate business in Africa
- African businesses face complex compliance challenges due to overlapping US sanctions and Chinese counter-laws. - Industries like mining, banking, and technology are particularly exposed to dual pre…
China steps up typhoon preparations, cancels flights as Bavi nears coast
- China is intensifying emergency preparations and canceling hundreds of flights as Typhoon Bavi strengthens and heads toward the coast. - The National Meteorological Centre forecasts the storm to mak…
China warns amateur AI typhoon forecasts may be illegal as Bavi nears
- Chinese bloggers are using amateur AI weather models to issue forecasts for Typhoon Bavi, drawing criticism from state media. - Official meteorological stations are the sole authorized issuers of we…
China accuses US of ignoring Trump, Xi rapport and targeting Chinese firms
- China accuses the US of misusing its national power by blacklisting over 60 Chinese companies. - Beijing claims Washington has ignored the consensus reached between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping. …
South China Sea expert Wu Shicun on Beijing’s red lines and responses
- Wu Shicun, president of China's National Institute for South China Sea Studies, discusses Beijing's responses to rival claimants in the disputed waters. - He addresses China's "red lines" and potent…
How China's New Left Reclaimed the Narrative on Deng Xiaoping's Reforms
- The article critiques Western assessments of Deng Xiaoping's reforms, particularly the idea that he solely found a path to make China rich and powerful. - It challenges the notion that Deng needed l…
US-China AI dialogue serves American security interests: former officials
- Former US officials believe renewed dialogue with China on AI risks is crucial for US national security. - The US and China agreed to new intergovernmental talks on AI safety following the Trump-Xi …
US scientists use Chinese humanoid robot to carry out keyhole surgery and remove organs
- U.S. scientists remotely operated a Chinese-made humanoid robot to perform keyhole surgery and remove a pig's gallbladder. - The robot, developed by Unitree Robotics, was controlled by two human sur…
People's Daily joins Beijing's campaign against Philippines over 2016 South China Sea ruling
- China's Communist Party newspaper, People's Daily, has launched a rhetorical attack on the Philippines over a 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. - The newspaper called the ruling a "destabilis…
2 Chinese military naval pilots killed during PLA frontline training exercises
- Two Chinese military pilots were killed during frontline flight training exercises last month. - One pilot, Senior Colonel Fang Ming, was recognized as a martyr for his service and dedication. - Bei…
AI accelerates global conflict as peace deteriorates worldwide
- Global conflict is rising, with 119 economies becoming less peaceful since 2008 and the number of active state-based conflicts reaching its highest since WWII. - Global military spending has hit a r…
China Boosts North Korea Partnership With Rare Praise During High-Profile Visit
- China's People's Daily praised North Korea's economic achievements, highlighting construction projects and rural development. - The rare praise accompanied North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song's three…
Top Scientists Leave US, UK for China in 2026 Amid Funding and Opportunity Concerns
- Numerous scientists and experts are relocating from the US and UK to China in 2026, citing various reasons. - Key factors include insufficient research funding in Western countries and limited oppor…
China's AI science goals risk being held back by reliance on imported equipment
- China's reliance on imported precision equipment could hinder its AI development in science, according to a Chinese researcher. - Advanced instruments are crucial for generating high-quality data ne…
Flights disrupted as ex-Super Typhoon Bavi nears China's coast
- Flights are being canceled and airlines are offering refunds as Typhoon Bavi weakens and approaches China's coast. - The typhoon is expected to make landfall between Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. -…
Taiwan radar tracked Chinese missile launch from submarine
- Taiwan's early-warning radar system detected a Chinese ballistic missile launch. - The AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws radar, bought from the U.S., tracked the missile from a submarine in the South China Sea. …
Two Men Sentenced for Importing Fentanyl Analogues from China to US
- Two men from New Jersey were sentenced for their roles in importing fentanyl analogues from China into the US. - The organization imported over a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances, using wir…
Asia’s top climate scientist warns of ‘humanitarian disasters’ as Earth teeters
- Earth's climate system is nearing a tipping point, leading to increased volatility and extreme weather events, according to climate scientist Benjamin Horton. - Horton warns that historical weather …
Trump's Climate Jibes at China and EU Appear Outdated
- Former US President Donald Trump criticized China's renewable energy achievements, framing them as a threat rather than a solution. - Trump's rhetoric, amplified at the World Economic Forum, aimed t…
Meet Biomni: the free powerful biomed AI agent turning data into hypotheses
- A Stanford University-led team has developed Biomni, a free biomedical AI agent designed to assist scientists with complex research tasks. - Biomni can automate research workflows, from data cleanin…
China unveils 100-gigawatt high-power microwave weapon arsenal
- China's military has developed high-power microwave (HPM) weapons capable of delivering up to 100 gigawatts of output. - This advancement, detailed by researchers from the National University of Def…
28 killed in factory blaze in the heart of Chinese shoe manufacturing hub
- A massive fire erupted at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang, Fujian province, China, killing 28 people. - Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered an immediate rescue effort and a thorough investiga…
Europe's heatwave exposes trade policy gap with China
- Europe faces a contradiction as demand for Chinese air conditioners surges during a heatwave, while the EU tightens trade policy toward China. - Observers note this exposes a gap between public need…
US-China AI war boils down to a contest over electricity
- The AI race between the US and China is increasingly becoming a competition over electricity output and price, as AI models become commoditized. - Electricity is now the main cost component for AI s…
North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw
- North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song is visiting China to mark the 65th anniversary of a friendship treaty. - The visit signals improving ties between the traditional allies. - China expressed readine…
Active fault line threatens world’s biggest hydropower project, Chinese geologists warn
- Chinese geologists warn an active fault line beneath the world's largest hydropower project on Tibet's Yarlung Tsangpo River threatens its structural integrity. - The Paizhen Fault, active since the…
Flooding Devastates Chinese Zoo, Over 100 Animals Lost
- Flooding at the Guigang Zoo in China's Guangxi region resulted in the loss of over 100 animals, including lions, zebras, and peacocks. - Zoo staff secured carnivores to prevent escapes, but three li…
Is China’s biggest daily US soybean order confirmation of Xi-Trump summit pact?
- China made its largest daily soybean purchase from the U.S. since November, signaling improved trade relations. - The purchase aligns with commitments made after President Trump's summit with Chines…
US criticizes China for brief warning before Pacific missile launch
- The US State Department criticized China for providing only a few hours' notice before launching a submarine-fired ballistic missile into the Pacific. - Washington stated that Beijing's actions fell…
Trump’s tariff war pushes Brazil’s trade towards China as US share hits record low
- Brazil's exports to the US dropped 13% in the first half of 2026, causing the US share of Brazilian exports to hit a record low since 1997. - China's share of Brazilian exports rose to 31.5%, solidi…
US-China scientific decoupling: the hidden costs of geopolitical rivalry
- US Congress is considering a proposal to ban federal research funds for collaborations with certain Chinese entities. - This potential ban has caused concern among academics and those in the academi…
US hearing weighs higher tariffs over alleged forced labour, targeting China
- A US hearing discussed imposing higher tariffs on goods linked to forced labor, particularly from China. - Participants were divided on whether increased tariffs would effectively improve workers' r…
What the Iran war has revealed about Brics+
- The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran served as a stress test for the expanded Brics+ group. - The conflict revealed Brics+ is a flexible coalition, not a military alliance, with members p…
Trump pledges billions in new arms deals to NATO allies and Ukraine
- US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to NATO allies and Ukraine, totaling US$3 billion in defense investment. - The deals include a Patriot missile maintenance facility and a license f…
Anthropic says China users shouldn't have used its Claude Code AI
- US AI firm Anthropic stated that users in China were not authorized to use its Claude Code product, responding to Beijing's warning about security risks. - China's National Vulnerability Database fl…
China’s Xi Jinping calls for innovation system overhaul to beat global tech rivals
- President Xi Jinping urged China to overhaul its innovation system and attract global talent to enhance competitiveness amid intensifying tech rivalry. - Xi presented the State Pre-eminent Science a…
Why lithium battery and radar pioneers won China’s top science award
- Chen Liquan, a pioneer in lithium battery development, and Ben De, a leader in military radar technology, won China's top science award for 2025. - The awards were presented by President Xi Jinping …
Chinese profit-taking triggers record gold ETF outflows amid shift to equities
- Chinese investors withdrew a record $2.91 billion from domestic gold ETFs in June, driven by profit-taking. - A surge in the stock market and a strengthening yuan reduced gold's appeal as a safe-hav…
Are the US’ AI models better than China’s? That may be beside the point
- China's AI models, particularly open-weight ones, are following a strategy similar to its manufacturing success: compressing costs and iterating quickly for mass adoption. - While this approach has …
Google DeepMind director Cao Liangliang makes a boomerang-return to Hong Kong
- Cao Liangliang, a former director at Google DeepMind, has returned to Hong Kong to become Chair Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. - His return marks a significant homecoming for the cit…
Taiwan's 'T-Dome' air defense plan threatened by budget disputes
- Taiwan's 'T-Dome' air defense program faces potential delays until 2028 due to budget disputes. - A critical indigenous missile system, the Chiang-Kong, lacks clear funding after the legislature app…
Sometimes, it pays to be a backward country
- The article suggests Leon Trotsky's theory of "the privilege of historic backwardness" can explain China's rapid economic and technological advancement. - This theory posits that less developed coun…
Chinese magazine highlights US Navy's advanced warships plagued by fires, electrical faults
- A Chinese military magazine highlighted non-combat losses in the U.S. Navy, including fires and electrical faults on advanced warships. - The report cited excessive deployments, overreliance on tech…
FCC denies US firm with Chinese links approval to provide telecoms services
- The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) denied a US firm, Digitalsystem Technology, approval to provide international telecommunications services. - The FCC cited concerns that the company's …
NATO launches defense projects to counter Russia and China
- NATO member states launched defense initiatives to boost weapons development and supply chains. - The projects aim to counter security challenges posed by Russia and China. - A multinational initiat…
China's Submarine Missile Test Signals Nuclear Triad Expansion
- China conducted a rare ballistic missile test from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Pacific Ocean. - The test signals China's expansion of its nuclear triad and sea-based deterrent capabilities. …
China achieves microwatt milestone with self-reliant carbon-14 nuclear battery
- Chinese researchers have developed a new carbon-14 nuclear battery with a silicon carbide transducer, claiming it was built entirely with domestic technology. - The Qianjiyuan Tianshu battery signif…
Europe could prosper as China’s trade ally rather than adversary
- Europe is considering trade measures against China's subsidized exports, particularly in electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries. - This situation echoes trade tensions between Europe and Jap…
Chinese researchers detect smartphone activity via leaked radio signals
- Chinese researchers have developed a method to identify smartphone applications and user actions by analyzing faint electromagnetic signals emitted by devices. - This non-contact forensic technique …
NATO chief: Alliance 'cannot be naive' about China's military buildup
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated the alliance cannot be naive about China's military expansion. - His comments followed China's reported launch of a strategic missile from a nuclear submarin…
To boost manufacturing, India need not choose between Japan and China
- India and Japan aim for significant investment growth, with Japan pledging up to $62 billion over the next decade. - Japan is a major investor in India, particularly in the financial sector, ranking…
