Articles by Chen Jing

China’s regional slowdown: Painful but necessary?

China’s first-quarter data show stark decelerations in several regions. However, Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing notes that this could be a more accurate record of the economic situation.

Chen Jing

A short-lived catch: China’s AI lobster frenzy

Despite the nationwide frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw, fuelled by strong public enthusiasm and support from local governments, the central Chinese government was quick to issue warnings about security risks. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing takes a look at the craze that came and went.

Chen Jing

[Big read] Safe, but fragile: The rise of women-only spaces in China

Women-only homestays, gyms and bookstores are booming in China, offering safety and solidarity. Yet closures and debates highlight the limits of segregated spaces and the challenges of sustaining a women-only economy. Lianhe Zaobao Associate China News Editor Chen Jing finds out more.

Chen Jing

Will China’s US$1.2 trillion trade surplus overwhelm global trade?

China’s exports are booming like never before. With a US$1.2 trillion surplus, the world wonders: can global trade absorb it, or is a reckoning on the horizon? Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing contemplates what China could do next.

Chen Jing

[Big read] China’s 10 trillion RMB debt clean-up falls short

China launched a massive 10 trillion RMB debt-resolution campaign in November 2024 to rescue cash-strapped local governments, but hidden liabilities dwarf official estimates. With land finance collapsing and LGFVs under strain, Beijing now faces pressure for a systemic fiscal overhaul. Lianhe Zaobao’s Chen Jing speaks with academics to assess China’s strategy.

Chen Jing

Why are China’s store prices lower than online? The overcapacity puzzle

China’s overcapacity crisis is pushing physical store prices below online deals, reversing the usual trend. Rising e-commerce costs, fierce platform competition and logistics expenses have made in-store shopping a surprisingly cheaper option in cities like Chengdu. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing takes a look at how China and the outside world are handling the overcapacity issue.

Chen Jing

[Big read] When the market soars but the economy struggles: China’s stock puzzle

Despite a weakening economy with deflation risks and disappointing corporate profits, China’s stock index has climbed. Analysts and investors are divided on the sustainability of this market trend. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing looks into the matter.

Chen Jing

Leung Man-tao’s podcast was erased. The message is loud and clear.

After Leung Man-tao’s podcast Eight and a Half vanished from major platforms in China, listeners are left questioning the limits of expression — even for careful and moderate voices. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.

Chen Jing

Beijing’s flood came for the elderly first 

Heavy rains in Beijing have left at least 44 people dead, most of them elderly and infirm. Despite official reports of evacuations, residents in Miyun district said they woke up to knee-high waters and had to leave on their own. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing assesses what more can be done.

Chen Jing

[Big read] Class dismissed: The quiet collapse of US-China university partnerships

Joint educational programmes between China and the US are the latest casualties of geopolitical tensions between the two countries. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing reports on the growing uncertainty facing these collaborative institutions — some of which have already been forced to shut down.

Chen Jing

The paradox of China’s podcast boom: High minds, low pay

Chinese youths are increasingly turning away from mainstream media towards podcasts as they provide more engaging in-depth coverage of current affairs and issues. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing finds out more from podcast creators and listeners about the industry and its appeal.

Chen Jing

Spies among China’s returning talents: Truth or bias?

A recent observation by the chairperson of China’s GREE that there may be spies among so-called “returning talents” to China has sparked discussion about that possibility, and about whether China’s local tertiary institutions are good enough to nurture the same level of talent as overseas. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing explores the issue.

Chen Jing