China News Live: US tariffs are chilling global investment, leaders warn at China forum

Tencent-owned Supercell to launch titles like Clash Royale on WeChat as mini games

Tencent-owned Finnish video game developer Supercell is set to launch its popular titles on Tencent's WeChat super app as installation-free mini games, according to a report in South China Morning Post. The move aims to leverage the vast user base of WeChat, known as Weixin in mainland China. Jakub Barczyk of Supercell stated on Wednesday that Brawl Stars is already available on the platform, and Clash Royale is currently in development for a planned September release as a WeChat mini-game.

Chinese biotech firms adopt AI to accelerate drug discovery

Chinese drug innovators are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence tools to reduce discovery costs and shorten the path to clinical trials and commercialization, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This trend sees them joining foreign competitors in leveraging AI to gain an edge. As an example, Nanjing-based Genscript Biotech is developing its own in-house AI tools, which utilize an enzyme prediction database and an algorithm for altering gene DNA sequences, to identify and optimize promising protein-based drug candidates.

US tariffs are chilling global investment, leaders warn at China forum

Entrepreneurs and policymakers warned that uncertainties from the United States' tariffs are disrupting global supply chains and chilling investment, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Speaking at the World Economic Forum's 'Summer Davos' in Tianjin, China, leaders said investors are delaying decisions due to the trade conflict. The warnings came as the trade war continues to impact the global economy, with US President Donald Trump threatening further tariffs.

Chinese boy goes viral for grabbing food during earthquake

A video of a young boy in Qingyuan, Guangdong province, has gone viral online after he was filmed running back to the dinner table during a 4.3-magnitude earthquake on June 23, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. While the rest of his family was fleeing, the footage shows the boy returning to grab a dish of stir-fried pork and a bowl of rice before being hurried out by his father. The incident, which caused no significant damage, has been widely shared as a humorous moment on the internet.

Hong Kong refers 15 suspicious tech voucher cases to law enforcement

Hong Kong authorities have referred 15 suspicious cases involving the government's Technology Voucher Programme to law enforcement over the past three years, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. In a written statement on Wednesday, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong confirmed that authorities also conducted random checks on 1,860 projects funded by the subsidy scheme. Sun added that the government would recover funding from any applicants who are convicted in connection with these cases.

Chinese analysts evaluate combat debut of US bunker-buster bomb in Iran

Chinese military analysts are closely evaluating the performance of the US GBU-57 'bunker buster' bomb following its recent combat debut in strikes against Iranian facilities, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. While acknowledging the success of the long-range strike mission carried out by B-2 stealth bombers, the analysts also pointed to the weapon's limitations. They specifically noted that the GBU-57's effectiveness could be limited against extremely deep and hardened underground targets, such as Iran's Fordow facility.

China protests EU decision to exclude its medical devices from public tenders

China's Ministry of Commerce has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the European Union's move to exclude Chinese firms from public procurement contracts for medical devices, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. A ministry spokesperson stated on Tuesday that the EU disregarded China's "goodwill and sincerity" conveyed through bilateral dialogues. This action is the latest development in a growing list of trade tensions between Beijing and Brussels, which has seen the EU launch investigations into Chinese subsidies in sectors like electric vehicles and wind turbines as part of its 'de-risking' strategy.

BYD expands its car-carrier fleet to boost EV exports

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD is boosting its export capabilities by expanding its dedicated car-carrier fleet, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The company recently took delivery of two new vessels, the BYD Changsha and the Xi'an, each with a capacity to transport 9,200 vehicles. These additions, the fifth and sixth in its fleet, are part of BYD's strategy to increase overseas sales to counter intense competition in its domestic market. The company's six roll-on/roll-off ships now have a combined capacity to transport 48,600 vehicles.

Hong Kong's MTR Corporation appoints Jeny Yeung as new CEO

Hong Kong's MTR Corporation, which is nearly 75% owned by the Hong Kong government, has appointed managing director Jeny Yeung Mei-chun as its next chief executive officer, the South China Morning Post said in a report. Yeung is set to succeed current CEO Jacob Kam Chak-pui on January 1 of next year, beginning a three-year term. The company stated the appointment follows a global selection process.

Child sexual abuse cases in Hong Kong nearly double over the last decade

The number of child sexual abuse cases in Hong Kong has nearly doubled over the past decade, reaching over 500 incidents last year, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Authorities have noted a concerning trend, with more than one in five perpetrators being 16 years old or younger. In response to these figures, lawmakers on Wednesday urged the government to urgently address the increase in younger offenders and called for the release of guidelines for an upcoming mandatory reporting mechanism for suspected child abuse cases.

China's AI capital spending forecast to reach up to US$98 billion in 2025

China's capital expenditure on artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to reach between 600 billion and 700 billion yuan (US$84 billion to US$98 billion) in 2025, according to a report in South China Morning Post. This forecast, originating from a Bank of America (BofA) report, would represent an overall growth of as much as 48% in AI capex from 2024. The increased spending reflects the ongoing technological competition between China and the United States for leadership in the critical AI sector.

Chinese and Hong Kong scientists develop micro-robots to clear infected sinuses in animal trials

Scientists from universities in China and Hong Kong have developed swarms of micro-robots, each smaller than the width of a human hair, designed to treat stubborn sinus infections, according to a report in The Guardian. The technology has successfully passed pre-clinical trials where the robots were inserted into animal sinuses. Researchers suggest that after clearing an infection, the swarm could be removed by being blown out of the nose. However, potential challenges remain, including the risk of the devices being inadvertently left in the body and addressing public suspicions about the technology.

African traders return to Guangzhou's 'Little Africa' trading hub

The African trading community in Guangzhou, informally known as 'Little Africa', is seeing a resurgence as entrepreneurs and businesspeople return to the major commercial hub, according to a report in the Financial Times. This follows a significant exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the community faced severe restrictions and discriminatory practices under China's former zero-COVID policy. The return of traders indicates the resumption of established economic activities and highlights the continued importance of Guangzhou as a key source of goods for African markets.

US lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to ban Chinese AI from federal agencies

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced a bill to prohibit Chinese artificial intelligence systems from being used by federal agencies, according to a report in AP. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure the United States prevails in the global AI competition. During a hearing on the matter, Rep. John Moolenaar, the Republican chair of the House Select Committee on China, stated that the US is in a 'new Cold War' with AI as the central strategic technology.

Chinese AI firms disabled features during national exams to prevent cheating

Chinese artificial intelligence companies reportedly disabled certain features of their services to prevent cheating during the country's high-stakes `gaokao` university entrance exams, according to a report in The Washington Post. The move was part of an intensive surveillance and anti-cheating effort surrounding the national college entrance test. This action by the tech firms is viewed as a measure to support state directives aimed at maintaining the integrity of the critical examination process.

China conducts successful test flight of Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle

China's Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) has successfully conducted a test flight of its Feitian 2 hypersonic vehicle at a site in the country's northwest, South China Morning Post said in a report. According to a university announcement, the test represented the first successful acquisition of real-flight data for a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC) engine utilizing a kerosene-hydrogen peroxide propellant. The statement noted that the test flight proved key capabilities of the advanced propulsion system.

Macau luxury hotel sells for HK$600 million in first such deal in eight years

The 13 Hotel in Macau, a 22-storey luxury property, has been acquired by an unidentified local investor for HK$600 million (US$76.43 million), according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The sale concludes a five-year search for a buyer and represents the first major hotel transaction in the Chinese Special Administrative Region since the fourth quarter of 2017. The deal for the property, located in the Coloane district, is a notable event in Macau's high-end real estate market, which has seen a long period of inactivity.

China's security agency claims CIA informant drive is a bid for funding

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) publicly stated that a recent CIA campaign to recruit informants in the country is a sign of desperation, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. In an article published Wednesday, the MSS claimed the US spy agency is hyping up the “China threat” and "peddling fear" to the US Congress and taxpayers. The ministry asserted that this strategy is an attempt by the CIA to secure a larger budget as its resources shrink, framing the intelligence push as a lifeline for the agency's survival.

Singapore PM says Asean can shape its own destiny amid US-China rivalry

Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that Southeast Asian nations have the ability to shape their own destiny amid the deepening rivalry between the United States and China, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Speaking at a World Economic Forum meeting in Tianjin on Wednesday, Wong emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) collectively represents a sizeable economy with "considerable heft." He added that the region seeks to be an "inclusive arena" where both major powers are actively engaged, rather than being forced to choose sides.

Mathematician Joshua Zahl to join China's Nankai University from Canada

Renowned mathematician Joshua Zahl is leaving Canada's University of British Columbia to take a full-time position at China's Nankai University, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Zahl, who recently gained prominence for solving the century-old three-dimensional Kakeya conjecture with a collaborator, will join the university's Chern Institute of Mathematics as a chair professor.

OpenAI says China's Zhipu AI is making progress in securing global government contracts

OpenAI analysts have noted significant progress by Chinese startup Zhipu AI in securing government contracts across various regions, a development seen as part of China's push for global AI leadership, according to a report in Reuters. The report states that Zhipu AI, which is backed by the Chinese Communist Party, aims to establish Chinese systems and standards in emerging markets before US or European competitors can.

Vietnam's prime minister expresses confidence in US trade deal while speaking in China

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Tianjin, China, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed confidence that a "positive" trade deal with the United States would be reached soon, potentially before a two-week deadline, South China Morning Post said in a report. Pham stated that he hoped the result would come "earlier than two weeks" and would be beneficial to both nations. During his address, he also underscored Vietnam's commitment to maintaining a "good balance" in its relationships with both the US and China.

Hong Kong finance chief touts city's role as a bridge to mainland China, dismisses investor concerns

Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has dismissed concerns that foreigners are avoiding the city due to its strong connections with mainland China amid the ongoing trade war, according to a report in South China Morning Post. Speaking at the “Summer Davos” forum on Wednesday, Chan asserted that investors are demonstrating their confidence with their capital. He emphasized that Hong Kong's primary strengths lie in offering investors priority access to the mainland market while simultaneously helping Chinese businesses expand globally and diversify their supply chains.

Lorry driver rescued after bridge collapses in China

A lorry driver was rescued without injury after a bridge in China collapsed due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall, according to a report in BBC. Local authorities in the region confirmed the rescue and attributed the collapse to the severe weather conditions. The driver had been trapped inside the vehicle's cabin following the incident.

Singaporean alliance opens professional services center in Shanghai

A new Professional Services Centre has officially launched in Shanghai, established by a unified collaboration of six Singaporean trade associations and professional membership bodies, according to a report in AP. The initiative, referred to as the Alliance, aims to strengthen cross-border business collaboration. Key members of the Alliance include the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), the Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS), and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF).

China pays tribute to doctor who died saving woman in Tanzania

China has officially paid tribute to Zhang Junqiao, a Chinese doctor who drowned after saving a woman in the sea off Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on June 15, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Zhang was in Tanzania as part of a Chinese medical team. The Chinese government stated that his heroism exemplifies the deep friendship between China and Africa and the dedication of the country's overseas medical personnel.

China's plug-in hybrid vehicle exports to the EU increased 600% in May

Exports of Chinese-made plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to the European Union increased by 600% year-on-year in May, as Chinese auto brands leverage an exemption from EU tariffs, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This development is part of a wider trend, with China's total global exports of PHEVs soaring 127% in May, based on data from the China Automobile Dealers. The surge for PHEVs, which combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, contrasts with the situation for China's battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which are the subject of an EU anti-subsidy investigation that is expected to result in additional tariffs.

Hong Kong considers renaming space oil narcotic to zombie oil

Hong Kong's government is considering changing the street name of the illegal narcotic "space oil" to "zombie oil", the South China Morning Post said in a report. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung announced the plan on Wednesday, stating it was in response to public feedback that the current name could romanticise the drug's usage. The narcotic's main ingredient is the anaesthetic etomidate, and the proposed name change aims to create a more negative association with the substance.

Chinese premier pledges to open doors wider for foreign trade and technology

At the World Economic Forum's annual event in Dalian, Chinese Premier Li Qiang vowed to "open its doors wider" to foreign trade and the technology industry, according to a report in the Financial Times. Li stated that "globalisation will not be reversed," a remark aimed at countering the "de-risking" strategies being pursued by the U.S. and other Western nations. The speech is seen as an effort to reassure international businesses and attract foreign investment to bolster China's economy amid ongoing trade tensions and domestic economic pressures.

BYD slows production and delays expansion amid intense competition in China's auto market

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is reportedly slowing down production and postponing plans for capacity expansion due to what is described as a 'cutthroat' domestic auto market, Reuters said in a report. The move comes amid an intense price war and significant overcapacity in China's automotive sector, which has been further impacted by a broader economic slowdown and weakening consumer demand in the country.

China introduces new centralized virtual ID to tighten internet controls

China is rolling out a new centralized virtual ID system to increase its control over the internet, according to a report in CNN. The system requires linking a digital identity to a citizen's real-world credentials, such as their national ID card and phone number, which enables the government to trace online activities directly back to specific individuals. This development shifts the focus of state internet management from primarily blocking content to monitoring user identity and behavior, building upon existing frameworks like the "Great Firewall" and the Social Credit System. The centralized nature of the virtual ID gives the government ultimate authority over its creation, verification, and the data it collects.

Starbucks denies reports of a full sale of its China operations

Starbucks has officially denied reports that it is in discussions to sell its entire China operations, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The denial on Tuesday came in response to local media reports suggesting a sale was being considered with private equity firms. The Seattle-based company is facing challenges in the Chinese market, including slowing sales and intensifying competition from domestic coffee chains. In its statement, Starbucks affirmed its commitment to the region, highlighting its "world-class team" and "strong brand," and stated it is "evaluating the best ways to capture the future growth opportunities" in what it sees as a market with significant long-term potential.

Experts question US-built claim for new phone from Trump's sons, citing resemblance to Chinese device

A new smartphone launched by President Donald Trump's sons with the claim it will be built in the United States is facing scrutiny from experts who say it strongly resembles a device from China, according to a report in CNN. The controversy highlights the complexities of "Made in USA" labeling, which under Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules requires "all or virtually all" of a product to be domestically sourced and manufactured. Experts point to the dominance of Chinese and East Asian manufacturers in global electronics supply chains, suggesting the phone is likely a "white label" product—a generic device purchased from an overseas manufacturer and rebranded for the US market. This situation is being viewed in the context of President Trump's "America First" platform, which advocates for domestic production.

Nvidia to exclude China from financial forecasts due to US chip export controls

Nvidia will stop including China in its financial forecasts, citing significant uncertainty caused by US export controls on advanced semiconductors, CNN says in a report. The company clarified it is not ceasing all sales to China but will continue to sell compliant products, such as downgraded versions of its advanced chips, while finding the market too unpredictable for reliable forecasting. This move underscores the tangible impact of the US-China tech rivalry and the US government's restrictions, which were implemented under the former Biden administration to limit Beijing's access to technology for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

Taliban cancel oil deal with Chinese company in northern Afghanistan

The Taliban interim government in Afghanistan has terminated its first major investment project, an oilfield deal with a Chinese company in the country's northern region, Nikkei Asia said in a report. The Kabul regime cited "slow progress" as the official reason for cancelling the contract. This development represents a significant setback for the Taliban's efforts to attract foreign investment to stabilize Afghanistan's economy since they regained power in August 2021, and it also impacts China's economic and resource-gathering interests in the region.

Japan partners with NATO to counter cyber threats from China and Russia

Japan is partnering with NATO to counter cyber threats from China and Russia by joining an information-sharing framework, according to a report in Nikkei. The collaboration will focus on sharing intelligence related to malware usage and technology to bolster collective cyber defense. This move signifies Tokyo's effort to enhance its security by working with the North Atlantic alliance against what they identify as significant state-sponsored digital threats.

China added majority of new global hydropower capacity in 2024, report finds

China accounted for the majority of new global hydropower capacity in 2024, adding 14.4 gigawatts of the 24.6 GW that came online worldwide, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The development is part of China's significant investment into the energy source as an effective way to maintain grid stability and provide energy storage solutions during its transition to greener energy.

Number of Japanese schoolchildren in China declines 11% one year after knife attack

The number of students enrolled in Japanese schools across China has fallen by 11% in the year since a notable knife attack on a Japanese mother and her child in Suzhou in June 2024, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. This decline is attributed to heightened safety concerns among the Japanese expatriate community, which has led many workers to leave their families in Japan rather than bring them to China. The trend is reportedly compounded by broader factors, including geopolitical tensions between the two countries and a more challenging economic and regulatory environment in China.

Hong Kong stocks reach 3-month high amid US rate-cut speculation

Hong Kong stocks climbed to a three-month high, driven by speculation that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates sooner this year following a slump in global oil prices, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The Hang Seng Index saw a 0.8% gain to reach 24,362.73, its highest level since March 19, while the Hang Seng Tech Index increased by 1.9%. Concurrently, mainland China's markets also saw gains, with the CSI 300 Index up by 0.4% and the Shanghai Composite Index rising by 0.3%.

China announces plan to increase gold production by over 5% by 2027

China has unveiled a three-year action plan to boost its gold output and reserves in response to rising geopolitical tensions and increased demand for the precious metal, as per a report in the South China Morning Post. The plan, released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and eight other agencies, aims to increase gold production by more than 5% and national gold reserves by 5 to 10% between 2025 and 2027. To achieve this, the country intends to utilize new mining technologies and dig deeper for what it terms a "strategic mineral resource."

Hong Kong remains world's most expensive city for housing despite price decline

Hong Kong remains the world's most expensive city to buy a home, despite a 20% price decline over the past five years, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. Citing a study from the Deutsche Bank Research Institute, the average price for a flat in the city's center was US$25,946 per square meter. This ranking places Hong Kong ahead of other major cities such as Zurich, Singapore, and New York, even amid economic headwinds and high mortgage costs.

China's Anjoy Foods to expand in Europe and Southeast Asia after Hong Kong listing

Anjoy Foods Group, China's largest producer of frozen hotpot ingredients, plans to expand into overseas markets including Europe and Southeast Asia following its listing in Hong Kong, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. The company stated that proceeds from the share sale would be used to bolster its competitiveness in countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia, where hotpot is popular. The Fujian-based firm began its Hong Kong bookbuilding process on Wednesday to raise capital for its international growth strategy.

Chinese firms raise US$10 billion amid surge in Asian convertible bonds

The issuance of equity-linked debt, such as convertible bonds, is experiencing a significant boom in the Asia-Pacific region and could reach a record high this year, driven primarily by Chinese companies, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. These firms are reportedly seeking lower-cost funding options while investors are betting on market gains despite global volatility. So far in 2025, investors have shown strong demand for US$10 billion in convertible and exchangeable bond offerings from mainland China and Hong Kong-based companies, including major firms like Baidu, Ping An Insurance (Group), and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group.

Vitasoy's full-year profit doubles, driven by demand in mainland China

Hong Kong beverage company Vitasoy International Holdings reported its full-year net profit more than doubled, driven by strong demand in mainland China, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. For the fiscal year ending March 31, the company's net profit increased by 102% to HK$235 million (US$29.9 million). While overall revenue remained nearly unchanged at HK$6.27 billion, operations in mainland China were the primary growth driver, contributing over half of the total revenue with HK$3.36 billion.

China tightens controls on fentanyl-related chemicals but calls crisis a US problem

China has announced it will place two chemicals used to make the powerful opioid fentanyl under stricter regulation, as per a report in The New York Times. This action addresses a key point of contention in US-China relations, as the US has consistently pressed for greater cooperation to stop the flow of these precursor materials. Despite the new controls, a Chinese official maintained that it is “the United States’ responsibility to solve the issue,” framing the opioid crisis as a domestic American problem.

Presale tickets for G.E.M. concert in Hong Kong sell out in just over an hour

Presale tickets for Hong Kong singer Gloria Tang Tsz-kei, also known as G.E.M., were quickly purchased in just over an hour for her 'I AM GLORIA' world tour concert in the city, the South China Morning Post says in a report. At its peak, the online queue on the Klook app had nearly 120,000 people attempting to buy tickets for the event. The singer is often referred to by the media as 'China’s Taylor Swift' due to her significant popularity.

Beijing asserts it cannot 'invade' Taiwan as it is already Chinese territory

China and Taiwan have clashed over their competing interpretations of history amid an escalating war of words, with Beijing stating it is impossible to 'invade' what it already considers to be Chinese land, according to a report in Reuters. The statement comes in response to what Beijing views as provocations from Taiwan's democratically elected government. China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, has increased its military and political pressure on the island in recent years.

China's central bank issues 500 billion yuan relending quota to boost consumption

China is intensifying efforts to stimulate domestic consumption, with the People's Bank of China (PBOC) announcing a 500 billion yuan (US$69.68 billion) relending quota on Tuesday, according to a report in the South China Morning Post. This policy is part of a broader government strategy to provide structural financial support as the economy contends with persistent trade uncertainties and unemployment pressures. The measure aims to encourage spending and support the domestic market, with China's wealthiest provinces also preparing to implement related incentives.

Hong Kong to issue No 1 typhoon signal as tropical depression forms

The Hong Kong Observatory is set to issue the No 1 typhoon warning signal at 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, as per a report in South China Morning Post. The warning comes as a broad area of low pressure over the South China Sea has intensified into a tropical depression. Officials have indicated that unsettled weather is expected to affect the city as a result of the developing system.

China's finance minister warns of infrastructure funding shortage for emerging nations

China's Finance Minister Lan Fo’an warned that emerging countries are running short of money to spend on cross-border infrastructure, according to a report in Bloomberg. The statement was made during remarks at a meeting of a multilateral development lender based in Beijing.