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Tech

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s annual GTC conference in San Jose on Monday. Photo: Bay Area News Group via AP

Banking & Finance

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

Tech

Preview of Alibaba’s top AI model leads Chinese peers, lags US rivals

Qwen3.5-Max-Preview enters a global ranking at 15th, behind models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

20 Mar 2026 - 3:00PM

China Business

Global drug giants double down on China amid push for self-reliant supply chains

Multinationals are building self-reliant supply chains in China to insulate local markets from potential trade disruptions, say analysts.

20 Mar 2026 - 2:30PM

AstraZeneca’s booth at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, July 17, 2025. Photo: EPA

Diplomacy

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:16AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:33AMvideocam

Military

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:17AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:53AMvideocam

MULTIMEDIA

Video

Tokyo’s cherry blossom season kicks off early

A foreign tourist tries to touch the early-flowering cherry blossoms at Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, March 17, 2026. REUTERS/Issei Kato

01:54

Video

Seoul prepares for BTS comeback at historic square

A couple takes a selfie photo near a banner promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

03:00

Video

Robot tennis player takes on humans

The robot developed by Tsinghua University and Galbot is able to return 88.69 per cent of shots it faces.

00:48

Video

Surging fuel prices hit Asia’s workers

Malik Mohsin Ali, a rider for Bykea, ride-hailing and delivery platform, heads to deliver parcels in Karachi, Pakistan, March 18, 2026. REUTERS/Asim Hafeez

02:56

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Military

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Smoke and flames rise at the site of air strikes on an oil depot in Tehran, capital of Iran, on March 7. Photo: TNS

Military

A troubled US warship is moving away from Iran. Does it reflect bigger problems?

Fire damage and plumbing issues on the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest an overstretched military and ‘hollowed out’ industrial base, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Military

Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Many military analysts are sceptical

Chinese observers question whether air strikes, and even a limited ground presence, will be enough to remove the threat to shipping.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:13PMvideocam

Society

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

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Tech

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

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Huawei

Middle East

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

59 minutes agovideocam

A USAF B-1 bomber takes off at RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:03PMvideocam

United States & Canada

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

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Banking & Finance

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

Unitree’s G1 robot is displayed during the World AI Cannes Festival 2026, in Cannes, France, on February 12, 2026. Photo: EPA

Politics

Taiwan opposition parties join forces for local polls with eye on 2028 race

Main opposition Kuomintang and smaller Taiwan People’s Party approve cooperation agreement to contest local elections in November.

6 hours agovideocam

Alliance for coming local elections marks a further effort by the KMT and TPP to challenge the ruling DPP and avoid splitting the vote. Photo: Elson Li

Global Economy

US loses, Europe gains: what’s happening with China’s rare earth magnet exports?

Latest data shows a persistent drop in US-bound shipments and rising European imports.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:30PM

China Economy

China’s Russian oil imports spike in early 2026, but Iran war changes outlook

China’s need to bolster crude stockpiles amid rising geopolitical risks likely to have been a factor behind pre-war import surge, analyst says.

20 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

United States & Canada

Action movie star Chuck Norris dies at 86

His epic fight with kung fu superstar Bruce Lee in ‘The Way of The Dragon’ helped turn Norris into an icon.

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Chuck Norris’ epic fight with the kung fu superstar Bruce Lee in “The Way of The Dragon” helped turn him into an icon on big and small screens alike. Photo: AFP

Europe

Norway crown princess says she was ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

Recent polls show most Norwegians oppose the idea of Mette-Marit ever becoming queen.

6 hours agovideocam

Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s name appears in new Epstein documents released by the US Department of Justice earlier in 2026. Photo: AFP

Politics

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

As Beijing and Washington negotiate new schedule for Trump’s visit, Daines is expected to meet US business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:28PMvideocam

China

Military Diplomacy Politics Science China Future Tech

The Trump administration has been pushing for a single AI policy legislative framework that can be applied uniformly across the country. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

US-China trade war

Trump administration moves to unify AI rules, bolster edge over China

Policy aims to increase federal government’s ability to ⁠fight national security concerns and counter Beijing’s growing dominance in sector.

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Former Shaolin Temple abbot indicted for bribery and embezzlement

20 Mar 2026 - 9:14PMvideocam

China offers US olive branch with fentanyl raids ahead of possible Trump visit

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Chongqing mayor under investigation as anti-corruption crackdown gathers pace

20 Mar 2026 - 8:37PMvideocam

Hu Henghua, mayor of Chongqing, is one of four full-ministerial-level officials to be investigated by anti-corruption authorities so far this year. Photo: Handout

Trump to praise Japan in China, Xi summit delayed, PLA-Nato talks

20 Mar 2026 - 5:00PM

WORLD

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash

Pregnant woman and 5 kids die in container fire in Turkey

Trump releases AI policy to pre-empt state rules

BUSINESS

A liquefied petroleum gas tanker is anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, which remains almost entirely closed to shipping traffic amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Photo: Photo: Reuters

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Brother of Great Eagle chairman sells Hong Kong flats amid deleveraging trend

Chinese stocks shake laggard image amid oil shock as green transition pays off

ECONOMY

‘Not easy’: Japan mulls building its own LNG carriers amid Iran energy crisis

US federal debt becoming ‘alarmingly unsustainable’ as Iran war fuels spending

Survey shows China’s professionals have high xpectations – for low pay

TECH

Huawei is accelerating its computing hardware strategy amid the rapid rise of agentic AI. Photo: dpa

Friday, March 20, 2026

HEADLINE CLIPPINGS South China Morning Post

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

Preview of Alibaba’s top AI model leads Chinese peers, lags US rivals

Qwen3.5-Max-Preview enters a global ranking at 15th, behind models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

Global drug giants double down on China amid push for self-reliant supply chains

Multinationals are building self-reliant supply chains in China to insulate local markets from potential trade disruptions, say analysts.

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

Tokyo’s cherry blossom season kicks off early

Seoul prepares for BTS comeback at historic square

Robot tennis player takes on humans

Surging fuel prices hit Asia’s workers

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

A troubled US warship is moving away from Iran. Does it reflect bigger problems?

Fire damage and plumbing issues on the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest an overstretched military and ‘hollowed out’ industrial base, analysts say.

Can the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Many military analysts are sceptical

Chinese observers question whether air strikes, and even a limited ground presence, will be enough to remove the threat to shipping.

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

UK allows US to use its bases to strike Iran missile sites targeting Hormuz

Trump has repeatedly attacked British PM Starmer since the conflict started, complaining ⁠he was not doing enough to help.

Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

As Japan faces pressure over the Iran war, some observers commend Takaichi for steering her meeting with Trump towards trade deals.

Trump calls Nato ‘cowards’ over lack of support in Iran war, sends more troops

Iran is threatening tourist sites worldwide, renewing fears that Tehran could resort to militant attacks beyond the Middle East.

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

Taiwan opposition parties join forces for local polls with eye on 2028 race

Main opposition Kuomintang and smaller Taiwan People’s Party approve cooperation agreement to contest local elections in November.

US loses, Europe gains: what’s happening with China’s rare earth magnet exports?

Latest data shows a persistent drop in US-bound shipments and rising European imports.

China’s Russian oil imports spike in early 2026, but Iran war changes outlook

China’s need to bolster crude stockpiles amid rising geopolitical risks likely to have been a factor behind pre-war import surge, analyst says.

Action movie star Chuck Norris dies at 86

His epic fight with kung fu superstar Bruce Lee in ‘The Way of The Dragon’ helped turn Norris into an icon.

Norway crown princess says she was ‘manipulated’ by Epstein

Recent polls show most Norwegians oppose the idea of Mette-Marit ever becoming queen.

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

As Beijing and Washington negotiate new schedule for Trump’s visit, Daines is expected to meet US business leaders in Hong Kong on March 30.

Trump administration moves to unify AI rules, bolster edge over China

Policy aims to increase federal government’s ability to ⁠fight national security concerns and counter Beijing’s growing dominance in sector.

Former Shaolin Temple abbot indicted for bribery and embezzlement

China offers US olive branch with fentanyl raids ahead of possible Trump visit

Chongqing mayor under investigation as anti-corruption crackdown gathers pace

Trump to praise Japan in China, Xi summit delayed, PLA-Nato talks

Netanyahu compares Jesus and Genghis Khan in Iran war speech, drawing backlash