Articles by Edwin Ong

Could the PLA’s robot soldiers be used against Taiwan?

China is developing humanoid robots that could enter the battlefield within a decade. While Taiwan is a potential scenario, experts say the PLA’s push reflects a broader drive to prepare for the warfare of the future. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong finds out more.

Edwin Ong

09 Sep 2026

Tan Kong Yam: China’s dual economy is built for the long game

Singapore economist Tan Kong Yam argues that Beijing believes China’s weak traditional economy can endure while its technology sector drives long-term growth, eventually pulling the broader economy towards a gradual recovery. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong reports.

Edwin Ong

07 Aug 2026

China’s DUV breakthrough: Has America’s tech wall outlived its purpose?

China’s reported breakthrough in producing domestic DUV lithography machines could mark a turning point in its chip war with the US, but experts warn that catching up with global leaders remains a long road. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong reports.

Edwin Ong

29 Jul 2026

China’s G2 reality and Hormuz’s new normal

As the world increasingly sees China and the US as a de facto G2, experts debate China’s global role while warning of a new normal in the Strait of Hormuz. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong highlights key takeaways from the eighth Singapore-China Forum.

Edwin Ong

07 Jul 2026

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