[Comic] Dystopia or 'a beautiful new world'?

Commentator Jin Jian Guo notes that the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was of less interest than the sideline meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden. 'Open regionalism', previously synonymous with APEC, seems a thing of the past.

Researcher Wei Da looks at three lessons that China needs to learn, from the Lushan Conference and breakup of the USSR, to the war in Ukraine. China cannot afford to make the same mistakes of the past and present, if it is to make itself a major power.

Following the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in China this year, the city of Dongguan which has been called “the world’s factory” has experienced a sharp decline in business orders as it came in last in economic growth within the province of Guangdong. Following China’s reform and opening up, the city developed rapidly and its GDP had even exceeded a trillion RMB. So, what is behind its current downturn, and where does its future lie?

A recent land and maritime exercise among China and five Southeast Asian countries highlights some emerging trends but breaks little new ground.

As North Korea continues with its efforts in developing its military weapons — the latest being the launch of a reconnaissance satellite — attention is on Russia’s involvement and assistance, much to the protest of some countries. What are the implications of such cooperation and close relations? Lianhe Zaobao executive translator Mak Cor Sin speaks with academics and experts to find out more.