Strategic patience: How China navigates the Iran war
As Iran faces continued US-Israel bombardment, it is clear that President Donald Trump has no intention of easing the pressure. Amid the crisis, China is exercising strategic patience — diversifying energy ties and strengthening its Eurasian influence — turning regional turbulence into a potential long-term advantage while the US pursues rapid action. Researcher Eka Khorbaladze explains the likely impact and China’s role in the unfolding situation.
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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.
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Xi’s purge rolls on: Two Sessions test loyalty and ‘correct’ ambition
A slew of investigations and dismissals of high-level party officials, slower growth targets across provinces, and an emphasis on cultivating a “correct view of political achievements” are just some of the issues leading up to the highly anticipated Two Sessions this week. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at what we can expect from the meeting.
Why China stays measured on US-Israel strikes against Iran
The US and Israel have launched a military strike on Iran that has killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to mixed reactions globally. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at the effects of the offensive, not least on China.
Shocks to shields: How India fortifies itself against a turbulent world
Hedging comes at a cost, but it is a price India may have to pay as it gets constricted by US transactionalism, two-front security pressure, Pakistan’s strategic rehabilitation and China’s institutional penetration of South Asia. Academic Hao Nan analyses the situation.
How Israel’s Somaliland gambit helps Taiwan box in China
China worries that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state would set a precedent for Taiwan. It is also concerned about the greater transfer of security know-how and regional contacts to Taiwan via the Taiwan-Israel-Somaliland entente. Italian commentator Emanuele Scimia explains.
How involution turned China’s ride-hailing drivers into part-time mahjong pros
The ride-hailing industry in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with the influx of drivers following the pandemic. As a result, some drivers are driving only to get by, while spending the rest of the time on leisure activities such as mahjong. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei looks at the phenomenon of involution, and how it is spilling over to other countries.
China’s diplomatic blitz in Trump’s backyard — who will dominate the western hemisphere?
The high frequency of foreign dignitaries from Asia, Europe and South America visiting China at the start of 2026 indicates a strong focus and urgency behind Beijing’s effort to draw US allies closer and counter America’s efforts to restore preeminence in the western hemisphere, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.
Let the woman rule: How Takaichi became Japan’s symbol of change
Voters rallied behind Japan’s first female prime minister, seeing Takaichi not just as a Liberal Democratic Party leader but as a figure to challenge the old order and bring unprecedented change to politics and policy. Academic Shin Kawashima takes a look at the factors that led to the election outcome.
China’s tech giants burn cash to try to dominate AI healthcare
Tech giants in China are splashing huge sums on AI healthcare assistants, while regulators and medical tests push the technology forward — but with most services still free and business models unclear, can AI really transform healthcare and make money?
Takaichi: Moderate in Japan, hawk abroad?
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is seen as cautious and moderate in Japan, prioritising budgets and legal debates. Yet in China and overseas, her rhetoric is often framed as provocative, stoking tensions. Academic Shin Kawashima looks into the discrepancies.
Post-election Bangladesh: How China prepared while India lost ground
Facing Bangladesh under newly installed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, India finds itself in greater diplomatic uncertainty while China sees it as more of a political adjustment rather than strategic disruption. Singapore-based Indian researcher Amit Ranjan and Australian researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May analyse the situation.
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[Video] Why young Chinese are paying to ‘time-travel’ at dinner
More people in China are buying into the recent trend of immersive dining at themed restaurants, which offer diners an opportunity to experience Chinese history and culture, from dressing up in costumes from various dynasties to being part of familiar classics like Dream of the Red Chamber. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yush Chau dives in.
The limits of courts against shameless power
The Supreme Court’s ruling on US President Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs” is not proof that American democracy is alive and well and that the system will self-correct. Instead, it shows that usual guardrails like Congress and the fourth estate have been breached, leaving the Court the last line of defence but a shaky one at that. Does that leave American democracy forever damaged under Trump? Commentator Deng Yuwen weighs in.
Will China lead the agentic AI race with Qwen3.5?
The launch of Alibaba’s latest Qwen3.5, designed for the “agentic AI era”, has kicked the AI race up a notch. It presents an opportunity for countries like Indonesia to level up, but also forces competitors of China’s Big Tech firms — from OpenAI to European startups — to look at deeper issues such as safety and ethics. Technopreneur Akhmad Hanan explains.
Chinese firms bullish on the Gulf despite geopolitical storms
Chinese firms are expanding in the Gulf despite regional rivalries and tensions. Profitable projects, resilient logistics and growing demand make the Middle East a long-term growth frontier rather than a risk to avoid. Middle East Institute-NUS research fellow Jing Lin shares her insights.
China’s investment surge is forcing Southeast Asia to rethink industrial policy
Looking at Chinese investment in Southeast Asia, Soon Cheong Poon and Guanie Lim find that the impact of investment depends on how it is governed. Southeast Asian governments can and have pushed back against negative spillovers. But it remains to be seen if they can band together regionally to handle the next waves of investment.
China’s population turn: The start of long-term decline?
China’s latest population statistics show a fourth consecutive year in decline, with births falling to 7.92 million in 2025. A shrinking, ageing workforce is likely to constrain economic growth, but on the flipside, could a smaller population have its benefits? Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May looks at both sides of the coin.
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[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.