News for 'south-china-morning-post'

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Chinese military urged to boost English skills for global role

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Chinese military is planning to revamp its English-language instruction in its academies to improve graduates' communication skills on the international stage, according to an article by senior lecturers from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

One operator, 200 drones: China showcases AI war tech

One operator, 200 drones: China showcases AI war tech

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Chinese military claims significant progress in drone warfare, reporting that a single soldier can control a swarm of 200 drones using AI technology. Tests conducted by the PLA-affiliated National University of Defence Technology showcase the potential of AI-enabled drone swarm warfare.

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Xi Vs The Generals: Why It Matters To India

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

If Xi Jinping can establish control over the PLA Ground Force, relations between India and China will settle down to an even keel. The next few weeks will show whether Xi has finally succeeded in gaining control over the PLA Ground Force. That could bring about the substantive shift in India-China relations that both our leaders have been working for, observes Ambassador Prabhat Shukla.

83 dead in massive Hong Kong inferno, over 280 missing

83 dead in massive Hong Kong inferno, over 280 missing

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Firefighters battled for a second day on Thursday to contain a massive inferno that ripped through seven high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong, as the death toll climbed to 65 and over 280 people remained missing in what officials described as the city's worst disaster in 70 years.

Alibaba to buy South China Morning Post

Alibaba to buy South China Morning Post

Rediff.com11 Dec 2015

The South China Morning Post has iconic status in the region.

In Pix: The Stunning Flying Car From China!

In Pix: The Stunning Flying Car From China!

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A Chinese firm this week began trial production of flying cars stated to be the next-generation in the world of transportation, ahead of US firm Tesla and others plans to launch the same shortly.

China commissions 3rd aircraft carrier: Should India worry?

China commissions 3rd aircraft carrier: Should India worry?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, featuring advanced electromagnetic catapults, amidst rising tensions and military modernization efforts.

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

China's second-ranked general, He Weidong, is under investigation for corruption, along with nine other senior military officers punished for discipline violations and work-related crimes. This crackdown comes ahead of a key Communist Party conclave.

Top Chinese defence scientist detained for corruption

Top Chinese defence scientist detained for corruption

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

A leading Chinese scientist specializing in semiconductor chips for weapon systems has been detained by anti-corruption authorities, according to his company, Zhejiang Great Microwave Technology.

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

China showcases latest arms in parade, a veiled warning to US?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

China displayed a range of new weapons at a military parade, including laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, giant underwater drones, and fifth-generation aircraft.

After Brahmaputra dam, China to build Xinjiang-Tibet rail link near LAC

After Brahmaputra dam, China to build Xinjiang-Tibet rail link near LAC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

China is set to build a rail link connecting Xinjiang province with Tibet, part of which will run near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India.

China's naval chief, top nuclear scientist expelled in purge

China's naval chief, top nuclear scientist expelled in purge

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Vice Admiral Li Hanjun, chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and Liu Shipeng, deputy chief engineer of China National Nuclear Corporation, have been expelled from the National People's Congress (NPC), the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Chinese Prez Xi Jinping to skip BRICS Summit for first time in 12 yrs

Chinese Prez Xi Jinping to skip BRICS Summit for first time in 12 yrs

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Instead, Chinese Premier and Xi's confidant Li Qiang will take part in the summit to be held on July 6-7 in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to take part.

Will China start talks with US on tariff reduction?

Will China start talks with US on tariff reduction?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

China on Friday said it is assessing whether to start trade talks with the US on tariff reductions following recent approaches by Washington, a move that would possibly ease the tit-for-tit tariff war between the world's two largest economies. "China is making assessments as the United States has recently reached out to convey messages to China through relevant parties many times, expressing hope to engage in talks with Beijing over tariff issues," the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement in Beijing.

China launches amphibious assault ship that doubles as drone carrier

China launches amphibious assault ship that doubles as drone carrier

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The Chinese navy has launched an amphibious assault ship that will double up as a drone carrier, integrating the battleship with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Type 076 amphibious assault ship will play a key role in boosting uncrewed combat capabilities, a navy commander has said. This marks the first official acknowledgement of the warship's widely speculated role as a drone carrier.

China delivers second of 8 submarine to Pak to back Arabian Sea strength

China delivers second of 8 submarine to Pak to back Arabian Sea strength

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

China has delivered a second advanced submarine to Pakistan, part of a larger deal to bolster the South Asian nation's naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean. The move underscores China's growing influence in the region and its strategic partnership with Pakistan.

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Trump offers olive branch to China after counter tariffs

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

US President Donald Trump has proposed a deal to China that would see the sale of TikTok's US operations to an American buyer in exchange for a reduction in tariffs on Chinese exports to the US. The proposal comes amid a trade war between the two countries and follows China's retaliation of Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. Trump has also said that tariffs are a powerful economic tool and that he is determined to ensure fair trade between the US and China.

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

ALERT! New coronavirus found in China's Wuhan

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

A Chinese team of virologists has discovered a new bat coronavirus that can infect human cells, raising concerns about potential animal-to-human transmission. The virus, a new lineage of the HKU5 coronavirus, uses the same human receptor as the virus that causes COVID-19. The study, led by Shi Zhengli, a prominent virologist at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, was published in the journal Cell. The discovery comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Wuhan lab, which was previously accused of being the source of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese government has denied any involvement in the virus's origin and insists that the Wuhan lab never engaged in gain-of-function studies on coronaviruses.

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Pakistan to Buy 40 Chinese Stealth Fighters

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Pakistan plans to procure 40 jets of advanced Chinese stealth fighter J-35, which, if materialised, will mark the first export of China's latest jet. The sale would mark Beijing's first export of fifth-generation jets to a foreign ally and is expected to recalibrate regional dynamics, particularly in relation to Pakistan's rival India. The acquisition of new aircraft was pursued despite the serious economic crisis faced by Pakistan. China has helped Pakistan to jointly develop and operate the J-17 Thunder fighter jet, the mainstay of the PAF. China has delivered four advanced naval frigates to the Pakistan Navy in the last few years to enable it to play a bigger role along with its navy in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

China defends Brahmaputra dam, says project won't affect riparian states

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

China has defended its plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring that the project will not affect riparian states and safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, but Chinese authorities maintain that the project has been thoroughly studied and safeguards are in place. The dam is part of China's efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change.

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Trump Has Become A Reset Button

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Trump's sweeping tariffs and penalties on China-built ships have turned global shipping into the front line of economic war, observes Shyam G Menon.

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Tibet earthquake: Rescuers race against time to find survivors

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Local officials said no casualties have been reported due to Wednesday's quake that hit the Madoi County in Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province of northwest China at 3:44 pm (Beijing time), tremors for which were also felt in north-eastern Nepal.

Two killed, 92 hurt as super Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc in China

Two killed, 92 hurt as super Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc in China

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Yagi, the 11th typhoon of this year, made two landfalls in China on Friday, first striking Hainan and later Guangdong province.

Why have thousands of kindergartens shut down in China?

Why have thousands of kindergartens shut down in China?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

In 2023, the number of kindergartens fell by 14,808 to 274,400, the annual report by the Chinese education ministry stated. It is the second consecutive annual decline in the latest indicator of China's falling birth rates.

China to build world's largest dam near India border

China to build world's largest dam near India border

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. The USD 137 billion project, which is expected to dwarf even China's own Three Gorges Dam, has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, the downstream riparian states. Concerns in India are centered around China's potential to control water flow, potentially enabling the release of large amounts of water to flood border areas in times of hostilities. The dam is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese government claims that the project is safe and prioritizes ecological protection.

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

'Musk, Vivek biggest threat for China'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump's plan to overhaul the government with a new department headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will be a biggest threat for China as it has to compete with far more efficient US political system, a policy advisor to the Chinese government said.

2 killed, 21 injured in knife attack at hospital in China

2 killed, 21 injured in knife attack at hospital in China

Rediff.com7 May 2024

"Multiple videos from the scene also show a suspect being apprehended by police in a [nearby] wellness centre," CNN reported.

Breakthrough! Chinese scientists 'cure' type-1 diabetes with half-hour surgery

Breakthrough! Chinese scientists 'cure' type-1 diabetes with half-hour surgery

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

The patient, a 25-year-old woman who had the chronic condition for over a decade, was able to naturally regulate her blood sugar some two and half months after undergoing the minimally invasive surgery, the Shanghai-based Chinese news outlet, The Paper reported. According to the report carried by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, the surgery took just half an hour.

Days after Quad, China test-fires missile that can strike US cities

Days after Quad, China test-fires missile that can strike US cities

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

This is the first time in decades that China has made its flight test of an intercontinental ballistic missile public in an apparent show of strategic deterrence, State-run China Daily reported.

China's iSpace rocket fails soon after launch, 3 satellites lost

China's iSpace rocket fails soon after launch, 3 satellites lost

Rediff.com12 Jul 2024

A Chinese rocket start-up has suffered yet another launch failure, resulting in the loss of three satellites as part of a commercial constellation being assembled for global weather forecasting and earthquake prediction.

A tool used...: China blows hot and cold over Quad summit

A tool used...: China blows hot and cold over Quad summit

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Ever since the Quad started taking shape in 2007, China has been saying that the four-member grouping will be bound to fail. But much to the chagrin of Beijing, it picked up pace in the recent years emerging as a premier strategic group especially challenging China's assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

I Didn't Expect Kamala Harris To Be The Nominee So Easily

I Didn't Expect Kamala Harris To Be The Nominee So Easily

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

'She's been a terrific advocate for women's rights in recent months and her prosecutor's background will really help her challenge Trump in a forceful way that Biden could not,' notes Sree Sreenivasan.

China appoints naval commander as defence minister 2 months after Li's ouster

China appoints naval commander as defence minister 2 months after Li's ouster

Rediff.com29 Dec 2023

Dong, whose age is not known, has served in all major naval divisions in the PLAN.

China holds celebrations in new villages along Indian border

China holds celebrations in new villages along Indian border

Rediff.com30 Mar 2024

China, which is building numerous villages in Tibet close to its borders with India and Bhutan, has held several celebratory events to mark its takeover of Tibet in the new border villages with a mix of border troops and the local population, the official media in Beijing reported.

What is Elon Musk doing in Beijing?

What is Elon Musk doing in Beijing?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

On a surprise visit to Beijing amid speculation that he may unveil Tesla's autonomous driving technology in the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market in China, billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and discussed future expansion plans for his automobile.

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

After multiple attacks, China hires private agency to secure assets overseas

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

This may be in line with Russia's private military company, Wagner Group, which was controlled until 2023 by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former close ally of Russia's president Vladimir Putin. The group used the infrastructure of the Russian Armed Forces.

Top general calls PLA combat capabilities 'fake'

Top general calls PLA combat capabilities 'fake'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2024

In a surprise development, a top Chinese military general has cast aspersions on the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s much-publicised 'real combat-oriented exercises' as 'fake combat capabilities' at a time when Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered it to prepare for 'maritime military struggles' to win wars.

Hong Kong busts $1.8-bn money laundering syndicate with India links, 7 held

Hong Kong busts $1.8-bn money laundering syndicate with India links, 7 held

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

The syndicate used "stooge" bank accounts and shell companies to transfer the largest amount linked to a single case recorded in the city, the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong said.

China's concerns heightens as population drops for 2nd year

China's concerns heightens as population drops for 2nd year

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

China's population growth has been slowing since 2016 as the high cost of raising children, a greater pursuit of individualism and a diversified lifestyle dampen enthusiasm to start a family.

9 top PLA generals dismissed from China's Parliament

9 top PLA generals dismissed from China's Parliament

Rediff.com30 Dec 2023

Over a million officials are said to have been punished in Xi's anti-corruption campaign according to the official media accounts. The intensity of the campaign also attracted criticism that Xi made effective use of it to silence his critics and rivals within the party.