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World reacts to US-China decoupling
As US President Donald Trump targets escalated tariffs at many countries including China, experts are debating if the Chinese political system would be an asset or liability in a punishing trade war. Photo: AFP

China’s political system could give it an edge in trade war with Trump: experts

The Chinese system could be an advantage in a US trade war, but both countries could face ‘real harm’, according to experts

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Majority of Americans oppose tariffs on Chinese goods, Pew survey shows

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‘Ignorant’: China slams US Vice-President J.D. Vance for ‘peasants’ slur

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Majority of Americans oppose tariffs on Chinese goods, Pew survey shows

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‘Ignorant’: China slams US Vice-President J.D. Vance for ‘peasants’ slur

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US consumers are shopping for iPhones and other electronics en masse in anticipation of price increases from US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. Photo: AFP

As tariff wave looms, is China still the world’s indispensable manufacturer?

Despite recent supply chain shifts, US consumers will have a hard time finding replacements for many staple goods still produced in China.

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With China ‘singled out’ in US tariff war, analysts warn of strong retaliation

US-China trade war
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Diplomacy

US lawmakers reintroduce bill that may close 3 Hong Kong trade offices in US

Bill would amend State Department’s annual review to require president to explain why HKETOs should retain or lose diplomatic privileges.

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Global Economy

‘Brace for impact’: Chinese economist warns the gloves are off in US trade war

Mao Zhenhua says China’s swift, forceful response to US tariff increases means the time for reconciliation appears to be over.

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Hong Kong Economy

Coldplay in Hong Kong: fans revel in 2½-hour show, some left wanting fireworks

Police arrest five over ticket scalping outside Kai Tak Stadium, while some fans hoped to see fireworks that are often set off at band’s shows.

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US-China trade war
People walk past the headquarters of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

China slams latest US threat, rushes to stabilise markets as trade war escalates

Science

Neanderthals made their home in China, not just Europe, Stone Age find suggests

Artefacts unearthed in Yunnan province display key features of toolmaking technology associated with Neanderthals much further west.

The find “not only demonstrates the existence of a Middle Paleolithic technology in the region but also shows large-scale analogies with Neanderthal behaviours in western Europe”, a recently published paper says. Illustration: Shutterstock
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Russia & Central Asia

Ukraine captured 2 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia, Zelensky says

President Zelensky says Kyiv will demand an explanation from Beijing and a reaction from its allies, including the US and Europe.

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Diplomacy

China has the tools to weather Trump storm, Premier Li tells EU’s von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen raised grievances with Li Qiang and emphasised their shared responsibility in supporting a strong trading system.

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Tech

Beyond the plate: Hong Kong’s food tech innovators cultivate a sustainable future

Local Michelin-star chef famous for ‘nature-inspired’ cuisine sources innovative green ingredients from three entrepreneurs.

In partnership with
HKSTP
Joris Rousseau, executive chef of the Michelin-star restaurant Feuille in Hong Kong, is dedicated to creating “nature-inspired” dishes using sustainable ingredients.

China

US, China trade threats, Neanderthals in Yunnan: SCMP daily highlights

From Chinese factories in Vietnam hampered by US tariffs to a Neanderthal discovery in Yunnan, here’s a round-up from today’s China coverage.

China and the US continue to clash with trade tariffs. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Musk calls Trump adviser Navarro ‘dumber than bricks’ over tariffs

The dispute within the ranks of Trump aides comes as firms, nations, and trade groups express frustration over uncertainty in negotiating a reduction to tariffs.

China Economy

‘I’m not attracted’: why China is struggling to convince consumers to borrow

Beijing is offering easier access to credit in a bid to boost consumption, but households are reluctant to take on debt amid a global trade war.

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Americas

‘Happened so quickly’: 44 dead after roof collapse at Dominican Republic disco

Rescue crews were searching for survivors at the iconic Jet Set venue, where politicians, athletes and others were attending a concert.

Rescue workers search for survivors at the Jet Set nightclub after its roof collapsed during a concert on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Entertainment

Review | The Amateur: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne in muddled revenge thriller

This story of a CIA analyst looking for vengeance has all the elements necessary for success, but somehow fails to pull them together.

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Rami Malek as Heller in a still from The Amateur. Photo: John Wilson/20th Century Studios

Tech Trends

Chinese semiconductor, auto parts suppliers expect to gain from US trade war

Their view reflects Chinese tech firms’ increased confidence in providing highly competitive alternatives to US imports.

Economics

Trouble ahead for Malaysia’s green future as Trump’s tariffs rattle solar sector

Analysts warn the new levies, coupled with the US’ retreat from climate commitments, could derail renewable energy growth across the region.

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Economics

Trump’s tariffs: Asean urged to explore trade diversification, tap FTAs

The call by analysts comes as Asean countries are among the hardest hit by US President Donald Trump’s universal tariffs.

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Asean is facing growing calls for the 10-member bloc to step up its trade diversification and seal more free trade agreements. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

South China Sea: is Beijing’s code of conduct ‘milestone’ progress or a tactic?

In all likelihood, the negotiations will be kicked further down the road just as in the past, analyst says.

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Illustration: Pearl Law

Health & Environment

Myanmar earthquake: Singapore deploys cyborg cockroaches in rescue efforts

The insect-robot hybrids are fitted with tiny ‘backpacks’ containing infrared cameras and sensors to detect human heat signatures.

Politics

China vows support to help graduates find jobs as trade war weighs on economy

New system will cover skills training, career guidance, recruitment and more as Beijing moves to prop up employment and domestic demand.

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OPINION
Chow Chung-yan

Opinion | In picking a trade war with China, Donald Trump may find time is not on his side

Chow Chung-yan
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Nancy Qian

Opinion | Trump’s tariffs deal Americans a losing hand

Nancy Qian
Josephine Ma

Opinion | As Trump’s tariffs roil markets, will new global order bypass the US dollar?

Josephine Ma
Dennis Lee

Opinion | Green design is a daunting challenge that’s well worth the effort

Dennis Lee
Letters

Letters | A government-owned bank can help Hong Kong weather tariff storm

Letters
Harry’s View | 9 Apr 2025
April 8, 2025
MORE COMMENT
LATEST

China

Majority of Americans oppose tariffs on Chinese goods, Pew survey shows

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong consumers hit with higher prices for foreign goods as tariffs loom

Diplomacy

US lawmakers reintroduce bill that may close 3 Hong Kong trade offices in US

Society

Cyclist seriously injured after being hit by garbage truck in Hong Kong

United States & Canada

Musk calls Trump adviser Navarro ‘dumber than bricks’ over tariffs

Entertainment

Review | The Amateur: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne in muddled revenge thriller

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US tariff war
Analysts say an escalation in the US-China trade war does not come as a big surprise to Beijing. Photo: AFP

China’s retaliatory tariffs on US show Beijing has adapted since 2018: analysts

But global supply chains could face ‘significant damage’ that no country is fully protected against, the more a trade war drags out and intensifies.

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Beijing tells Tesla, GE Healthcare to blame Washington for ‘tariff tensions’

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Amid Trump’s tariff war, 1 Asia sector could emerge unscathed – clean energy

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Ex-CIA official Dennis Wilder on why US-Europe rift is ‘highly exaggerated’

The national security specialist and former CIA official on US-China ties and the group chat discussion that shocked the world.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Science

Open Questions | China ‘still far behind’ US in maths prowess but is on the rise: Shing-Tung Yau

When the 75-year-old maths genius left Harvard, many thought he would retire. Instead, he is nurturing the next generation of Chinese talent.

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Diplomacy

Open Questions | US sentiment on China does not equal consensus, analyst Rick Waters says

Ex-US Department of State official discusses the role of civil diplomats and whether US should have an end-state goal in its China strategy.

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China Economy

Open Questions | Michael Pettis on China’s consumption paradox and the pitfalls of a trade war

The professor of finance and author talks China’s economy and argues the US dollar’s monopoly role in trade is an ‘unsustainable’ anomaly.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
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Tech Trends

DeepSeek unveils new AI reasoning method amid anticipation for R2 model

In collaboration with Tsinghua University, DeepSeek developed a technique combining reasoning methods to guide AI models towards human preferences.

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DeepSeek has unveiled a new approach to improving reasoning AI models amid anticipation for the release of the follow-up to its popular R1 model. Photo: AFP

Tech Trends

Chinese semiconductor, auto parts suppliers expect to gain from US trade war

Their view reflects Chinese tech firms’ increased confidence in providing highly competitive alternatives to US imports.

Big Tech

China’s top chip tool maker Naura sees revenue surge amid US trade tensions

China’s largest chipmaking equipment supplier expects another 50 per cent jump in profits last quarter after its third year of growth.

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Big Tech

China narrows gap with US in leading AI models, Stanford report shows

The performance difference of Chinese AI models versus their US counterparts shrank from double digits in 2023 to near parity last year.

Alibaba’s Qwen logo is displayed next to a humanoid robot face in this illustration picture take January 25, 2025. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Diplomacy

What comes next? Europe searches for a new orbit in a post-American order

Some hope Europe’s developed economy and adherence to rules will be attractive to partners turned off by a ‘might makes right’ world.

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Illustration: Henry Wong

Big Tech

How Alibaba is transforming into a catalyst for China’s AI boom

By empowering innovations through its own technology and supporting former employees, the tech giant is reshaping China’s AI landscape.

Military

With tensions rising in Taiwan, civil defence becomes a high-wire act

Recalling ‘White Terror’ martial law, many regard government-backed civil defence sceptically even as Taipei moves to bolster readiness.

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Chinese culture

Explainer | What is the Chinese Ching Ming Festival and how is it marked?

Traditionally a Chinese spring ritual, the tomb-sweeping festival is said to have its roots in an emperor’s cruelty to a follower.

Grave sweepers worship their ancestors at Diamond Hill Cemetery in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on Ching Ming Festival. Photo: Elson Li
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