China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
China Desk, Lianhe ZaobaoArticles by China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
Politics
Lai Ching-te’s Japan-era tribute clouds Trump-Xi summit
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s visit to honour Japanese-era engineer Yoichi Hatta at Wushantou Reservoir has triggered political backlash at home and criticism from Beijing, coming just days before the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing, where Taiwan tensions loom. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk looks into the matter.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
12 May 2026
Society
China bans ‘sexual mentor’ for women — but more are popping up
A viral clip of Zhou Yuan, a Chinese “sexual mentor” for women, has shed light on a booming industry that empowers women to use their sexuality to attract men. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at society’s and authority’s reactions to these grey-zone content.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
05 Feb 2026
Politics
Sichuan and Fujian: The two carriers that could reshape the Taiwan Strait
China’s new Type 076 Sichuan could reshape any Taiwan Strait conflict, pairing with the Fujian to form a potent two-carrier strike force as Beijing signals rising military confidence amid escalating East Asia tensions. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk explores the topic.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
27 Nov 2025
Technology
China’s fluid humanoid stuns — but US still rules robot brains
XPeng’s latest robot IRON, amazes audiences with its lifelike movements, yet globally, advanced AI and chips are keeping the US in command of humanoid intelligence. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk dives into the issue.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
20 Nov 2025
Politics
Low cost, high carnage: Robot wolves are China’s latest weapons against Taiwan
In an amphibious assault exercise, China’s “robot wolves” have proven to be a formidable weapon, sparking discussions from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, what would happen if China were to deploy them in a forced reunification? Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at their combat capabilities.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
13 Nov 2025
Society
Why Chinese couples are renting wedding gold instead of buying it
Traditionally, the “three touches of gold” are a staple of Chinese weddings, typically purchased and kept. But a new trend in China sees couples doing something unexpected. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a closer look.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
07 Nov 2025
Society
‘I don’t want to work; I want to join the party’: China’s viral cry for stability
On Douyin, millions joke about quitting work to “serve the people”. But the humour masks real exhaustion — and a growing belief that life inside the system is safer than life outside it. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk looks into this trend.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
04 Nov 2025
Technology
The ‘Chinese owner’ of Nexperia: How Zhang Xuezheng’s tech empire fell to geopolitics
Once the scrappy entrepreneur who helped make smartphones affordable, Zhang Xuezheng now finds his semiconductor empire under siege. The Dutch takeover of Nexperia marks a dramatic turn in his high-tech odyssey amid global power rivalries. Was the move justified? Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk looks into the company and its founder.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
29 Oct 2025
Society
When good intentions fail: The rise and fall of China’s community canteens
Community canteens were meant to offer affordable meals for seniors, but poor planning, misaligned incentives, and market pressures turned a good policy idea into a cautionary tale of failed implementation. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk explores “big pot 2.0”.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
03 Sep 2025
Society
Lu Xun smoked — should his mural? China rethinks its icons
A complaint against a mural depicting Chinese literary giant Lu Xun smoking has sparked widespread debate on preserving the authenticity of historical fact, warts and all. Lianhe Zaobao China Desk takes a look at the uproar.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
02 Sep 2025
Economy
The rise of China’s ‘affordable MUJIs’ and what it means for the original
China’s homegrown brands like Miniso and NetEase Yanxuan are rapidly gaining ground with affordable, stylish products that challenge MUJI’s dominance. As these “affordable MUJIs” grow, the original brand is forced to rethink its strategy in a shifting market. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at MUJI’s strategy to expand in China.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
01 Sep 2025