China’s Liu Jianchao shows his tact in communicating with the outside world

In a dialogue hosted by Business China, Lianhe Zaobao and ThinkChina this week in Singapore, senior Chinese diplomat Liu Jianchao showed his skill and eloquence in responding to tricky questions about China. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu gives us the highlights of the session.

The countdown begins: TikTok navigates uncertain future amid US ban bill

A legislation passed on 13 March by the US House of Representatives which is currently pending in the Senate would force TikTok's parent company to sell it within 180 days or face a nationwide ban. Is there still room for manoeuvre and can TikTok turn the situation around?
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Record-breaking number of graduates face bleak job market in China

With another record year for the number of graduates in China, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong notes that the employment situation appears bleaker than ever. Those seeking to join the civil service are facing even tougher competition as government agencies cut down on hiring, while the private sector may not be the most attractive option for them.

Tackling food fraud upstream and downstream

Journalist Chieh-Yi Cheng notes that the traditional ways of food preparation have given way to high-tech production, leading to the improvement of food quality, as well as counterfeiting methods. It now becomes a cat-and-mouse game, with the need to boost efforts in surveillance, tracing funding sources, and tracking the quantity and movement of raw materials and ingredients, in order to nip the problem in the bud.

More Taiwanese are venturing overseas for better pay

Taiwan is experiencing a brain drain as it loses talents to neighbouring countries such as Japan and Singapore, due to the prospects of higher salaries compared with back home. Commentator Gu Erde notes that as those countries face an ageing and declining population, they have set up favourable policies to attract talent.
 
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From Kinmen to the South China Sea: Weaponising narratives

In cases like the Kinmen capsizing incident and in its dealings with the Philippines, China uses its own interpretation of history and international law to launch a narrative where it is the aggrieved party, says Philippine academic Charmaine Misalucha-Willoughby. She cautions that crafting a narrative requires anchoring it in strategy instead of being knee-jerk reactions that can lead nations down paths best avoided.

China’s AI race is not about expanding users

Technology expert Yin Ruizhi notes that unlike traditional network-based technology, OpenAI-style AI is not as reliant on networks. Thus, compared with the US, China’s development of AI focuses more on technology rather than expanding user base.

[Big read] As the use of Mandarin becomes more common, Hong Kong faces identity crisis

Under British colonial rule, Hong Kong developed its own flavour and culture, a unique blend of East and West. However, since its handover to Beijing, some would say Hong Kong has gradually become more and more like mainland China, not least in terms of how Mandarin seems to be more widely used in everyday life, especially with the influx of mainland Chinese in Hong Kong. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing reports.

China’s status in the global economy is stable, for now

Chinese academic Chu Zhaogen notes that while China is well poised to make its mark on the global economy, it needs to keep its eyes open and wits about it, so that it can seize on opportunities, not least in the field of technological innovation.

Japan’s perception of China continues to deteriorate

Japanese academic Shin Kawashima notes that public opinion in Japan towards China is getting worse, with "unfriendly" sentiments at a record high. However, the younger generation views China more positively, and tends to see China-Japan relations as "important". What impact will these sentiments have on Japan's foreign policy towards China?

China’s reform and opening up needs a breakthrough

Commentator Wei Da says that the rise and fall of civilisations across history have demonstrated that the management of the government’s power, the protection of individual property rights and the independent judicial system are the indispensable trinity of modern civilisation. Will China be able to learn these lessons amid its reform and opening up?

Philippines-Australia strategic partnership in an era of geopolitical realignment

The recent visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to Australia demonstrates the resolve of the Philippines to solidify its strategic partnerships with like-minded states in the Indo-Pacific region.

[Video] China’s youths are saying no to marriage and having kids

Like young people in large cities elsewhere, many Chinese youths are forgoing the traditional milestones of marriage and parenthood. Besides focusing more on personal well-being and individual needs, they are also becoming more pessimistic about the future. Here's what they have to say.

This ordinary, extraordinary life: A Taiwanese woman called Ching-ti [Part 2]

Every star in the sky follows its own orbital path — whether big or small, bright or gloomy. What is the last story we vividly remember? What is the last story that we would tell those around us, if there is still someone around? In this second of a two-part series, Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun mourns the passing of his dear friend Ching-ti, recalling her charitable heart in the final years as well as the struggle in her final days.

China’s marriage rate rebound could be a fluke

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing notes that even though the number of marriages in China rebounded last year, couples could be making up for avoiding getting married this year for various reasons. Will the marriage rate fall back down this year, despite calls from the authorities encouraging young people to get married and have families?

China targets payments problem to win over foreigners

Despite China waiving visa requirements for citizens from over a dozen more countries and making local digital payment services more international-user friendly, flights and the flow of visitors from countries such as the US are still nowhere near 2019 levels.

Will better 'Made in China' products solve China's economic problems?

China looks set to drive its economy by focusing on boosting production, industrial upgrade and promoting “new quality productive forces”. However, there are concerns that a move in this direction could lead to overproduction, impacting global markets. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu looks into the matter.
 
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