HKOwnership & classification
Founded: 1903
Ownership
The South China Morning Post is owned by the Chinese e-commerce conglomerate Alibaba Group, which bought the SCMP's media assets in 2015-2016 for about US$266 million; the deal closed on 5 April 2016. Alibaba was co-founded by Jack Ma. Before Alibaba, the paper was controlled by Malaysian-Chinese tycoon Robert Kuok (from 1993), and earlier by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation (from 1987). It was founded in 1903 in Hong Kong by Tse Tsan-tai and Alfred Cunningham.
Funding
Financed by advertising, digital subscriptions and the backing of its parent Alibaba, which has funded a global digital expansion and (in 2020) made the site free to read in many markets. It is not a state outlet but is bankrolled by a mainland-Chinese corporate owner.
Affiliation & stance
Privately corporate-owned rather than state-owned, but its mainland-Chinese owner Alibaba operates under Beijing's regulatory and political pressure, and critics say coverage of China has softened since the acquisition. Because control rests with a large Chinese commercial conglomerate aligned with Beijing's interests rather than with an editorially independent private publisher, it is best classed as DEPENDENT (the file's INDEPENDENT guess overstates its autonomy).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1167
85/100
Factual
79/100
Objective
1289
Articles
1289
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
India sizes up US F-35 stealth jets in landmark first on home turf
The article reports that U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jets have participated in joint military exercises with Indian warplanes near the Pakistan border, marking the first time these advanced aircraft have been involved in such drills in India. The event is described as a significant demonstration of military cooperation and interoperability between the two nations. Sushant Singh, a South Asian studies expert and former Indian Army officer, comments on the development, noting that it reflects a level of trust and operational capability that cannot be achieved solely through diplomatic statements.
AirAsia chief’s jab backfires, Singaporeans going ‘car-lite’: 7 Asia highlights
The article highlights several notable developments across Asia, starting with AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes criticizing Singapore Airlines' in-flight meals, which sparked backlash on social media. This incident reflects ongoing competition between airlines and the importance of customer perception in the aviation industry. Other topics include discussions around 'car-lite' lifestyles in Singapore, indicating a shift towards reduced car dependency, possibly influenced by urban planning and environmental concerns. The remaining points cover various regional updates, though specific details are not provided in the excerpt.
Hong Kong leader calls for stronger construction oversight amid One Stanley case
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced plans to enhance regulatory measures and introduce stricter penalties to prevent construction violations after a series of scandals, including issues with the One Stanley luxury residential project. The announcement follows concerns raised by the recent controversy involving a house at One Stanley, which highlighted weaknesses in the current oversight system. The goal is to maintain high professional standards within the construction sector and ensure greater accountability. These changes aim to address public concerns over safety and quality control in major developments.
Malaysia’s queen comforts family of girl found dead at school, pledges to get justice
A 16-year-old girl named Irene Sofiya was found dead at her school in Malaysia, prompting her father, Mohd Khairool Faisal Khyar, to express gratitude toward Malaysia’s Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah for visiting their family and offering support. The queen assured the family she would work to secure justice for the girl. The incident has raised concerns about student safety and the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. The family described the queen’s visit as comforting and appreciative of her empathy during their time of grief.
Hong Kong’s big IPO haul
The article titled 'Hong Kong’s big IPO haul' discusses the performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong, highlighting significant financial activity in the market. It notes the volume and value of companies going public, reflecting investor confidence and economic trends. The piece provides data on recent listings, possibly including sectors such as technology, finance, and consumer goods. While the article focuses on market dynamics and financial outcomes, it does not delve into political implications or controversies related to the IPO process.
Trump approves firing squad execution for US military base shooter Nidal Hasan
US President Donald Trump has approved the execution by firing squad of Nidal Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist who was responsible for shooting dead 13 people and injuring many others at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. This would mark the first such execution by the US military since 1961. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the sentence, and Trump formally approved it. Hasan had been previously sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after being found guilty of premeditated murder and attempted murder. The decision to pursue execution rather than life imprisonment reflects a shift in military justice policy.
Chinese actress Li Bingbing credits success to younger sister who acts as manager, confidante
Chinese actress Li Bingbing attributes her successful career to the support of her younger sister, Li Xue. Born into a working-class family in northeastern China, Li Bingbing has built a notable career in both Chinese and Hollywood film industries. Her sister, Li Xue, who previously worked in journalism, became her manager and played a crucial role in her professional development. The two sisters co-founded Hesong Entertainment, a talent agency representing performers of various ages. Their collaboration highlights the significant impact of familial support in the entertainment industry.
Bangkok braces for fresh chaos as possible floods threaten IMF-World Bank summit
Bangkok is preparing for potential flooding as over 15,000 delegates are expected to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. The city could see up to 50mm of rainfall per day from October 11-13, which overlaps with the week-long event bringing together finance ministers, central bankers, and executives from 191 member countries. Officials have warned of the risks posed by heavy rains to infrastructure and logistics during the summit. The situation highlights the challenges of hosting high-profile international gatherings amid natural disasters.
Beijing’s policy advisers map out how post-reunification Taiwan could be governed
The South China Morning Post reports that Chinese policy advisors have developed various proposals for governing Taiwan after reunification, following President Xi Jinping's 2019 call for such plans. These proposals, being finalized by leading mainland research institutes, suggest multiple governance models rather than a single approach. Scholars involved in the studies emphasize the need for different scenarios depending on circumstances. The development reflects ongoing efforts by the Chinese government to outline potential frameworks for Taiwan's integration under the One-China principle.
Hong Kong’s bridge of gold completes China’s yuan ambition
The article discusses Beijing's strategic efforts to increase its gold reserves as part of a broader initiative to internationalize the Chinese yuan. It highlights Hong Kong's significant role in this endeavor, noting that in 2013, Hong Kong handled one-third of global gold trade and became the largest importer of gold, surpassing India. The piece suggests that despite Hong Kong's substantial involvement in gold trading, much of the gold does not remain within the region.
Hong Kong temperatures drop to 23 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, lowest this autumn
Hong Kong experienced a temperature drop to 23 degrees Celsius on Tuesday morning, marking the coolest reading of the autumn season. The Hong Kong Observatory attributed the cooler weather to a dry northeast monsoon, which is expected to bring fine weather to the coastal areas of Guangdong in the coming days. The monsoon is anticipated to result in windier conditions and slightly cooler mornings across the region, with a gradual moderation in intensity later on.
Experts urge wider One Stanley checks, tighter paperwork after steel bar shortfall
Experts in Hong Kong have called for broader inspections of properties in the luxury residential development One Stanley and stricter documentation of construction processes, following the discovery that one unit used insufficient steel bars during construction. The Buildings Department has initiated an investigation into work quality issues at One Stanley, located in one of the city's most expensive neighborhoods. The concerns stem from potential safety risks associated with substandard materials and inadequate oversight. The call for increased scrutiny reflects growing pressure on developers and regulators to ensure compliance with building standards.
Marine’s arrest for murder in Japan fuels anger over US military presence
A U.S. marine is accused of murdering an Okinawan woman, sparking outrage and renewed scrutiny of the U.S. military's presence in Japan. The incident has placed newly elected Governor Genta Koja under pressure, as he had focused his campaign on economic issues rather than the longstanding controversy surrounding American troops stationed in Okinawa. This event comes at a time when Okinawa is becoming more central to Japan's regional security strategy, potentially intensifying opposition to the U.S. military base there. The case highlights tensions between local communities and the U.S. military, which has been a point of contention for years.