South China Morning Post
January 2026
Hong Kong schools’ medium of instruction must pass the test of the times
US must release 5-year-old ‘bunny hat boy’ detained by ICE, judge orders
It also led to a protest at the Texas family detention centre and a visit by two Texas Democratic members of Congress
How the India-EU trade agreement undermines US economic coercion
Beyond trade liberalisation, the partnership will weaken Washington’s ability to use tariffs as leverage and dictate the rules of global economic engagement
Who else is in the Epstein files? Billionaires, celebrities and Norway’s crown princess
US President Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk and Britain’s former prince Andrew are among those making headlines after being named in the documents
Was this fresco redone to look like Meloni? Italy PM says she’s no angel
Some of Italy’s press have been asking whether the premier served as inspiration for a cherub painted in a chapel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, located a few metres (yards) from the main building of the Italian government
There is indeed a certain resemblance,
UK’s ex-prince Andrew dogged again by Epstein scandal as new photos surface
The future of AI in music? US and China strike different chords
I would describe AI music as a full-on tsunami,
Iran state media reports explosion in Gulf Coast city of Bandar Abbas
Those injured in the incident are being transferred to hospital by emergency responders,
Pakistan multiple attacks kill 21, including children, with dozens of insurgents also dead
The Baloch Liberation Army, banned in Pakistan, claimed responsibility and released videos showing women taking part in the attacks
CK Hutchison tipped to sell remaining ports despite Panama court ruling: experts
Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show: poster-girl mum Nygaard’s elite juggling act
It’s definitely way harder to leave him now than two years ago … but I feel he understands everything and I can explain when I’m coming home,
Film on Scotland community resisting immigration raid wins Sundance award
Hong Kong steps up scrutiny of private schools
If the management of a school is unsatisfactory, the permanent secretary for education may direct the school to take remedial measures,
Electricity lines between Ukraine, Moldova, Romania fail, causing mass outages
The outages knocked out water supplies to Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and prompted a complete shutdown of the city’s metro network, paralysing transport for thousands
Today at 10:42 am (0842 GMT), a technical malfunction occurred, causing a simultaneous shutdown of the 400 kilovolt line between the power grids of Romania and Moldova and the 750 kilovolt line between western and central Ukraine,
The task is to stabilise the situation soon,
Power will be restored within the next few hours,
Ice-cool Rybakina gets revenge over Sabalenka in tense Australian Open final
Chinese military patrols Scarborough Shoal, 5 days after US-Philippine drills in area
China carried out naval and air patrols around Scarborough Shoa l on Saturday — just days after joint US-Philippine drills nearby — underscoring tensions in the disputed South China Sea waters
Labubu toymaker Pop Mart picks London as European headquarters, rolls out new stores
London stands at the heart of the global creative ecosystem, and we are thrilled to plant our European roots here,
Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 20, including children at tent camp, say hospitals
UK PM Starmer arrives in Japan for last leg of East Asia visit
Following his trip to China, Keir Starmer will meet the Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and discuss defence, security, trade and the economy
Outside of Europe and the US, Japan is the biggest investor into our economy and there’s 1,000 Japanese businesses supporting, I think, 150,000 jobs in the UK. So, there’s a lot for us to discuss.”
Full pivot or anxious hedge? Europe’s leaders flock to China
A flurry that began late last year with visits to Beijing by the Spanish king and French president has continued with leaders of Britain, Ireland and Finland, with Germany’s chancellor to follow next month
China is not Europe’s friend and its values are still much further from Europe’s than America’s values are,
Over 200 die in DR Congo after landslide causes mines to collapse: rebel authorities
The nation is a major supplier of coltan — dug out by hand — which contains a key component for smartphones, computers and aircraft engines
Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa — by land, sea or air
Over the past two years, Beijing has been steadily lowering visa requirements for inbound travellers — or removing them outright — to stimulate China’s tourism sector
China’s rich cut high-end spending by 5% as economic confidence hits 14-year low
Japan eateries limit entry based on age to ensure younger patrons can enjoy, make noise freely
Only customers aged 20 to 39 are allowed. This izakaya is for the younger generation! We cater exclusively to guests under 40.”
Our clientele is predominantly young, but we have received numerous complaints from older customers who found the ambience overly noisy,
If someone over 40 wishes to enter, we inform them in advance that it may be noisy and ask if they’re comfortable with that. If they don’t mind, we welcome them, even if they exceed 40, as long as they have the mindset of someone in their 20s.”
China slaps US$3.7 million fine on Kuaishou over live-streaming e-commerce violation
We will strengthen operations in accordance with the law, further improve compliance level... and work together with the businesses on the platform to provide better services to consumers,