Articles by Edwin Ong

Bilahari Kausikan: Uneasy and fragile China-US truce will not hold forever

Retired Singapore diplomat Bilahari Kausikan warns that the current China-US trade truce is fragile, the US-China summit has not brought substantive changes to the US’s Taiwan policy and the Iran war will not end well. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong notes key points from a fireside chat at the Nomura Investment Forum Asia in Singapore.

Edwin Ong

04 Jun 2026

[Video] Hegseth at Shangri-La Dialogue: Toning down US rhetoric

At the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth seemed to tone down criticisms of China. Does this mean a more pragmatic, prudent approach going forward? Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong speaks to experts for their take.

Edwin Ong

02 Jun 2026

How Guizhou’s big data dream became a corruption playground

Though China’s Guizhou province was once touted as a future hotbed for the big data industry, corruption has sabotaged the region’s initial potential. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong discusses the situation.

Edwin Ong

22 May 2025

China sets out new tasks to boost domestic consumption

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong takes a look at the 20 key tasks set out by the Chinese State Council to boost domestic consumption across a wide range of sectors.

Edwin Ong

05 Aug 2024

What Trump 2.0 might mean for China

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong notes that a second presidential term for Donald Trump would probably mean an escalation of the US-China trade war, given Trump’s hardline stance in protecting US trade interests and doing whatever it takes to get China to toe the line.

Edwin Ong

18 Jul 2024

[Big read] Chongqing’s youths embrace thriving second-hand market 

Chongqing’s Dongjiaxi flea market has been a hotspot for the discerning consumers, in particular youths, who are seeking cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality and style. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong speaks with shoppers and shop owners to find out more about this thriving industry in the city.

Edwin Ong

24 Apr 2024

[Video] Chongqing's Hongyancun now the deepest metro station in China

Hongyancun metro station in Chongqing has the distinction of being the deepest metro station in China. However, it takes about ten minutes to go all the way down - to the depth of 39 storeys - which raises safety concerns, alongside the convenience to nearby residents.

Edwin Ong

13 Dec 2023

China shifts stance on Israel-Hamas conflict?

A week after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, China has openly criticised Israel, saying that its actions "have gone beyond self-defence". China may be worried about the larger implications of war breaking out in the Middle East, says an academic that Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong spoke to.

Edwin Ong

16 Oct 2023

US, China militaries flex muscles in Yellow Sea

Amid the ongoing US-China rivalry, both powers have been sending their navies on exercises in the Yellow Sea, as a signal to each side, stopping just short of actual engagement. This mirrors earlier near-confrontations. Is this all just military posturing ahead of a possible Xi Jinping-Joe Biden summit before the end of the year?

Edwin Ong

21 Sep 2023

[Big read] What is the US's next move as China breaks through the chip blockade?

China's Huawei suddenly launched a new smartphone, equipped with a 7-nm chip said to be made in China and with network speeds reaching 5G levels, shocking the US political circles. What far-reaching impacts will China's breakthrough in chip technology have? How will Washington respond? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong takes us through the recent developments and what it means for the US's strategy against China's tech advancements.

Edwin Ong

21 Sep 2023

Politics takes precedence over economy in Xi's Chinese-style modernisation

Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech in February criticising the West was recently quoted in a Chinese Communist Party publication, and Lianhe Zaobao journalist Edwin Ong notes that the renewed attention could be intended to strengthen the political consensus among officials and citizens. Meanwhile, Xi's emphasis on treading a different path from Western modernisation could come at the expense of its economy.

Edwin Ong

17 Aug 2023

Will China's measured stance continue under reappointed Foreign Minister Wang Yi?

Former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who had a meteoric rise and just as swift a fall, was thought to have adopted a more measured tone in China's foreign policy. Are fears of a return to wolf warrior diplomacy under Wang Yi unfounded? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong assesses the situation.

Edwin Ong

27 Jul 2023