Han Yong Hong
Associate Editor, Lianhe Zaobao; Editor, Zaobao.comArticles by Han Yong Hong
Politics
Japan and Philippines harden stance against China amid US-China detente
As Washington softens its tone on Beijing, Japan and the Philippines are tightening defence ties to counter China, forging a potent middle-power coalition in Asian waters. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.
Han Yong Hong
05 Jun 2026
Politics
Trump-Xi summit delivers deals — and exposes fault lines
At the US-China Summit in Beijing, while China focused on pushing a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, the US looked to advance business deals and kept the Taiwan card close to its chest. While both sides want some kind of stability, it is anyone’s guess when the house of cards would topple. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong weighs in on the issue.
Han Yong Hong
15 May 2026
Politics
China delivers its harshest military corruption sentences in years
China’s crackdown on corruption among high-level officials has recently meted out one of its most severe punishments for two former military leaders. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at the downfall of the top brass over the years.
Han Yong Hong
08 May 2026
Politics
Cheng Li-wun and the ‘Taiwanised’ KMT: A story Taiwan may not buy
Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun’s visit to mainland China and her Sun Yat-sen mausoleum speech mark an attempt to reframe the KMT as a “Taiwanised” party, but the narrative faces scepticism at home as elections loom. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong examines the concept.
Han Yong Hong
10 Apr 2026
Economy
China enters the 4% growth era: Stability over speed
Amid rising global uncertainty and frequent international trade frictions, the Chinese government’s lower national growth target reflects its emphasis on stability. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong observes that this eases the pressure on local governments but leaves international investors cautious.
Han Yong Hong
06 Mar 2026
Politics
Xi’s purge rolls on: Two Sessions test loyalty and ‘correct’ ambition
A slew of investigations and dismissals of high-level party officials, slower growth targets across provinces, and an emphasis on cultivating a “correct view of political achievements” are just some of the issues leading up to the highly anticipated Two Sessions this week. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at what we can expect from the meeting.
Han Yong Hong
03 Mar 2026
Politics
Trump’s bluster, Xi’s subtlety: Reading the G2 call
The Xi-Trump call highlighted the stark contrast between US President Donald Trump’s brash style and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s measured diplomacy, with Taiwan and G2 dynamics taking centre stage as the world watched closely. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take.
Han Yong Hong
06 Feb 2026
Politics
What will 2026 bring for the Taiwan Strait?
China’s live-fire drills around Taiwan at the end of December 2025 pushed the scope of its military exercises closer toward Taiwan than before — and showed that it could do so without warning at any time. But this does not mean that a reunification by force is imminent. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong explains.
Han Yong Hong
02 Jan 2026
Society
Hong Kong fire aftermath: Strong community spirit, shared pain
The tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court has highlighted the Hong Kong spirit of community, with touching scenes of animal rescue. However, the disaster has also stirred the deep-seated pain lying beneath Hong Kong’s collective psyche. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong shares her reflections.
Han Yong Hong
05 Dec 2025
Politics
Xi-Trump meeting: Has China won?
The long-awaited Xi–Trump meeting in Busan ended with smiles but few deals. Yet beneath the calm surface, China may have quietly emerged stronger — ready to play the long game in a shifting global order. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take.
Han Yong Hong
31 Oct 2025
Politics
Will China’s rare earth shock tactics derail the Xi-Trump summit?
After a recent back and forth in trade restrictions, plans for a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea is now up in the air. Given the impracticality of the restrictions from both sides, Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that conflicts between the two must be resolved through negotiation and compromise.
Han Yong Hong
13 Oct 2025