Politics
Can US-China economic ties regain stability despite rivalry?
The US-China summit underscored efforts to stabilise strained economic ties. Despite rivalry, both sides are exploring ways to reduce uncertainty across trade, investment and strategic sectors. EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen gives his take on what he calls a managed relationship.
Bo Chen
Politics
China may power Southeast Asia’s nuclear future
As Southeast Asian countries ponder the use of nuclear power, China looks set to be a key player, given its advantages in technology, delivery and support. Academic Zha Daojiong notes that selecting a partner in nuclear energy is a long-term decision that goes beyond financial considerations.
Zha Daojiong
Politics
Can ASEAN find its own voice between great powers?
As great power rivalries intensify, Southeast Asia is moving beyond mere geopolitical balancing and pursuing “epistemic autonomy”. The region is rejecting imported Western narratives to build its own knowledge, trust local institutions, and dictate its own future on its own terms, say Chinese academics Li You and Zhai Kun.
Li You
Technology
Mythos vs DeepSeek: Why cheap AI could tip the US-China tech race
While US AI platforms such as Claude may be more sophisticated or advanced than Chinese products such as DeepSeek, perhaps one key advantage of Chinese technology is that it is much cheaper, which may make all the difference in the long term. Technology expert Yin Ruizhi weighs in.
Yin Ruizhi
Politics
Why China must reject Trump’s ‘G2’ narrative
China’s embrace of multilateralism and rejection of a US-led “G2” order reflects Beijing’s belief that only broader global cooperation can counterbalance American pressure and reshape an increasingly fractured world order. Academic Gu Bin gives his take.
Gu Bin
Popular This Month
Society
[Video] Lim Siong Guan: Can Singapore survive?
Singapore’s rise from “unwanted independence” to a trusted global brand was no accident. Former head of the civil service Lim Siong Guan reflects on working with Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Keng Swee in an interview with ThinkChina’s James Loo, and explains why small states must think long term in a world of unknown unknowns, as well as how culture, trust and a stellar civil service matter more than ever as Singapore navigates great power rivalry and rapid technological change.
James Loo
Politics
Grounded: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has nowhere to fly
With Beijing applying pressure to block overseas trips by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, it is difficult for him to pursue any diplomacy as he has his hands tied with little to no room to manoeuvre, while Beijing continues with business as usual. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei tells us more.
Sim Tze Wei
Economy
PwC’s Evergrande crisis deepens with record Hong Kong settlement and criminal probes
Evergrande’s fraud has caught up with PricewaterhouseCoopers in Hong Kong, bringing major fines, client exits and criminal probes, and casting doubt over the accounting giant’s future in Hong Kong and mainland China.
Caixin Global
Economy
[Big read] Pinglu Canal: Redrawing China-ASEAN trade routes
The Guangxi’s Pinglu Canal, hailed as the “project of the century”, is expected to open in September, adding a major artery to the region’s access to the sea and seen as a key to unlocking Guangxi’s development. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out from traders, shipping operators and local residents their expectations from the improved connectivity.
Lim Zhan Ting
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Editor's pick
Society
[Vox pop] How do Chinese people see AI?
In recent years, China has become one of the fastest-moving players in the global AI race. AI is now becoming part of everyday life for many Chinese people. And now, amid the sweeping changes triggered by this technological wave, ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina speak with some Chinese to hear what they really think about AI today.
Videos
Technology
[Video] US–China tech ties revealed at Xi’s power banquet
A carefully curated guest list at the high-profile state banquet during the Trump-Xi summit placed American and Chinese tech titans side by side, revealing not just diplomatic optics, but a supply chain that remains deeply intertwined despite rising geopolitical tension. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina finds out more.
Yi Jina
Society
[Vox pop] How do Chinese people see AI?
In recent years, China has become one of the fastest-moving players in the global AI race. AI is now becoming part of everyday life for many Chinese people. And now, amid the sweeping changes triggered by this technological wave, ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina speak with some Chinese to hear what they really think about AI today.
Lu Lingming
Society
[Video] Lim Siong Guan: Can Singapore survive?
Singapore’s rise from “unwanted independence” to a trusted global brand was no accident. Former head of the civil service Lim Siong Guan reflects on working with Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Keng Swee in an interview with ThinkChina’s James Loo, and explains why small states must think long term in a world of unknown unknowns, as well as how culture, trust and a stellar civil service matter more than ever as Singapore navigates great power rivalry and rapid technological change.
James Loo
Politics
[Video] Is the world entering a more dangerous nuclear era?
The collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear constraints under New START leaves the world’s nuclear guardrails in tatters, raising fears of great power friction and a renewed arms race. As limits fall away, states from Iran to North Korea are reassessing their options. With extended deterrence under strain, ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina examine how this unravelling nuclear order is reshaping global and regional security.
Lu Lingming
Culture
[Video] Jereme Leung: From Nanyang to Jiangnan — where taste becomes memory
Renowned chef and pioneer of Chinese fine dining Jereme Leung sits with ThinkChina’s Josephine Hong to dive into what truly defines authentic Chinese cuisine, China’s contributions to the global fine dining scene, and how Nanyang influence shaped his culinary journey.
Josephine Hong
Politics
[Video] What the Iran war means for China
US‑Israel strikes on Iran could reverberate far beyond the Middle East, impacting China’s economy, energy security, regional influence and its ties with the US. While China maintains a cautious diplomatic approach, the unfolding Iran war could also create opportunities for it to gain leverage in its strategic rivalry with the US. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming speak with three experts to explore what the Iran war means for China.
Yi Jina
Politics
[Video] George Yeo: America’s deep pain — and why China won’t colonise
George Yeo, in an interview with ThinkChina editor Chow Yian Ping, explores America’s deep social pain, China’s struggle with corruption rooted in Confucian ties, and why change is hard. He also weighs the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait and Singapore’s future in a fast-shifting world order. This is the first episode of ThinkChina Conversations, a series of in-depth interviews with experts on China.
Chow Yian Ping
Technology
[Video] How robots stole the show at China’s Spring Festival Gala
Much of the conversation around this year’s China Spring Festival Gala on 16 February 2026 centred on humanoid robots — from martial arts robots to lifelike bionic robots. While many praised the innovation, others expressed doubts and criticism.
Yi Jina
Society
[Vox pop] ‘Not all Chinese, but always Chinese?’ How Chinese tourists are seen overseas
Chinese tourists often spark debate in global travel circles: admired for their spending power, yet frequently criticised online for behaviour such as cutting queues or littering. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming speak with foreign travellers and mainland Chinese tourists about how these images are formed and how fair they are.
Yi Jina
Latest Articles
Technology
[Video] US–China tech ties revealed at Xi’s power banquet
A carefully curated guest list at the high-profile state banquet during the Trump-Xi summit placed American and Chinese tech titans side by side, revealing not just diplomatic optics, but a supply chain that remains deeply intertwined despite rising geopolitical tension. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina finds out more.
Yi Jina
Politics
Xi meets Putin after Trump summit to balance China-US-Russia triangle
Four days after a historic meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing. Amid signs of easing China-US tensions, the Russian president’s visit serves as a powerful reminder that China-Russia relations remain strong. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks with academics to find out more.
Lim Zhan Ting
Cartoon
ThinkCartoon (20 May 2026)
Heng Kim Song has been the freelance editorial cartoonist for Lianhe Zaobao since 1984. His cartoons are also featured in many major international publications including The New York Times, Asahi Shimbun, JoongAng Ilbo, South China Morning Post and Yazhou Zhoukan. His many awards include the Top Award in United Nations ESCAP’s Cartoon Competition and the Grafica Internazionale Award presented by Italian Museum of Political Satire and Caricature. Heng has also participated in many international exhibitions and events, including the World Economic Forum Annual Meetings held in Davos, Switzerland.
Heng Kim Song
Politics
Trump-Xi summit: Why China scored the bigger strategic win
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “constructive strategic stability” framework and carefully choreographed optics defined the Trump-Xi summit, yielding modest gains for both sides, but a broader strategic advantage for China in setting the terms of future US-China relations. Academic Dylan Loh examines the details.
Dylan Loh
Politics
Trump-Xi summit leaves Taiwan independence camp on edge
Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is reeling after US President Donald Trump, following his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, bluntly warned against any push for independence. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang notes that this signals a potential shift in US policy, forcing Taipei to urgently redefine its cross-strait strategy.
Chuang Hui Liang
Society
[Big read] The northbound drift: Hong Kong’s quiet exodus to the Greater Bay Area
The cost of living in Hong Kong is notoriously high, and some Hong Kongers are choosing to move to cities in the Greater Bay Area in mainland China to live and work, in pursuit of a more manageable pace and quality of life. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing finds out more.
Tai Hing Shing
Politics
Trump–Xi summit delivers a triple win
While the US has unsuccessfully sought to suppress China, the latter has responded calmly and effectively to signal that it is not to be taken for granted. The latest meeting between the US and Chinese leaders may mark a new chapter of greater stability, both bilaterally and globally. Academic Gu Qingyang gives his analysis.
Gu Qingyang
Economy
Deflation: Beijing’s blind spot or its strategy?
China’s deflation reflects both weak demand and deliberate industrial strategy. But the model depends on consumption eventually catching up, raising questions over sustainability and regional spillovers for Southeast Asia. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explains.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
Politics
China’s forgotten role in shaping Japan’s pacifist constitution
Japan’s Constitution is set to mark its 80th anniversary in 2027 as debate over revision gains momentum. Yet Article 9 remains sensitive, with war-renunciation and armed forces limits still central to national consensus and contention, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.
Shin Kawashima
Politics
Trump-Xi summit delivers deals — and exposes fault lines
At the US-China Summit in Beijing, while China focused on pushing a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, the US looked to advance business deals and kept the Taiwan card close to its chest. While both sides want some kind of stability, it is anyone’s guess when the house of cards would topple. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong weighs in on the issue.
Han Yong Hong
Politics
Trump in Beijing: Why even limited success is remarkable
Pomp and pageantry aside, the US-China summit focused on business and trade deliverables, with upbeat atmospherics masking deeper tensions. US academic Zhiqun Zhu explains why even limited progress is notable in a relationship defined by rivalry, mistrust and deep structural tensions.
Zhiqun Zhu
Society
[Big read] Banned or not, Taiwanese keep heading to mainland China anyway
Despite restrictions on group tours, Taiwanese continue travelling to mainland China in growing numbers, driven by demand, rising costs at home and expanding unofficial travel channels. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang reports from Taipei.
Chuang Hui Liang
Society
How Peking duck went from imperial Beijing to Singapore’s kopitiams
Once a delicacy savoured at imperial banquets, Peking duck has shed its exclusivity and reinvented itself for the masses — evolving in style, price and ritual as it finds an unexpected new home in the heartlands. Lianhe Zaobao lifestyle correspondent Tang Ai Wei finds out more.
Tang Ai Wei
Politics
Xi raises stakes over Taiwan, warns US of ‘clash or even conflict’
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned visiting US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger a “clash or even conflict”, as Beijing raised the stakes in US-China ties. Analysts said the wording signals heightened urgency in Beijing’s Taiwan stance. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.
Miao Zong-Han
Politics
Private guns for China’s shipping lanes as chokepoint risks mount
China’s private security companies are rapidly expanding their capabilities and projecting power precisely where it counts most: the sea lanes of communication. This is especially significant when recent global conflicts are centred on the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime chokepoints of the world. Academic Alessandro Arduino analyses the situation.
Alessandro Arduino
Politics
Trump in Beijing: Why China may miss Trump after 2029
Even as US-China rivalry deepens, Beijing may look back on Trump’s transactional unpredictability as a rare stabiliser in an increasingly ideological and uncertain post-Trump world, argues Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei.
Sim Tze Wei