China and Israel share a special relationship that goes back in history and is grounded in modern economic and social needs, but the US has both explicit and implicit concerns about growing China-Israel relations. Political scientist Zhu Zhiqun illuminates how Israel walks the tightrope of advancing relations with both China and the US amidst intense rivalry between the two major powers.

The China-US trade war continues, seemingly with no end in sight. Adding to the unpredictability of trade talks are unexpected black swans, or complicating factors. Professor Zhu Ying of Shanghai Normal University examines these black swans and the way they have affected trade talks.

Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai knows his bowl of Suzhou noodles. How is the toutangmian or head soup noodles connected to landscape poetry, Neo-Confucianism and Song dynasty music? And is it going to be the end of the world, if McDonald’s were to sell Suzhou noodles? Prof Cheng shares his thoughts.

The gutsy, confident 90s generation are carving out a niche for themselves in a new economy where the ability to engage an online audience and grow a fan base is highly prized.

Labelled a “criminal and lie-fabricator” by Chinese officials, detained Causeway Bay bookseller Gui Minhai was awarded Svenska PEN’s Tucholsky Prize last week. The prize presentation renews controversy over freedom and democracy in China and casts a pall on China-Sweden relations.

Weekday or weekend, Hong Kong has become a battleground with universities — erstwhile symbols of civility — turning into base camps and refuel stations. What is happening to the Hong Kong as we know it?

How would you feel if rows of rabbit teeth and sunken eyes stared at you on a plate? Food writer Tzu-i devours one like a pro in Sichuan.

As the Taiwan election approaches, incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen has managed to improve her standing with voters, amid a challenge from Kuomintang candidate Han Kuo-yu. However, one of the issues that Ms Tsai has to address is cross-strait ties with mainland China. How will Ms Tsai show goodwill towards the mainland, while keeping the people of Taiwan happy?

Why relying on domestic consumption to sustain China’s economy is putting one’s eggs all in one (wrong) basket.

Despite synergies between Japan and China in the economic and technological spheres, Professor Shin Kawashima, University of Tokyo, argues that the hard line China maintains on security and historical issues will keep ties from warming.

Implementing digital transformation initiatives in Chinese tech companies where the retirement age was a mere 40 years old, and extensions were granted as exceptions to good performers, Singaporean Kwek So Cheer learnt more about the Chinese psyche than he did any other practical knowledge.