Li Kang
Shanghai Correspondent, Lianhe ZaobaoArticles by Li Kang
Economy
China’s gig economy nears half the workforce but worker protections lag behind
Over 44% of China’s workforce is now engaged in flexible employment. While closing the white-collar income gap, this massive shift exposes major gaps in workers’ rights and social security stability. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang analyses the data.
Li Kang
12 Jun 2026
Technology
China’s space rise is real — yet key gaps still keep the US ahead
Beijing is rapidly catching up to Washington in the global space economy, with China dominating key dual-use technologies. However, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that China still lags behind in scale.
Li Kang
10 Jun 2026
Technology
[Big read] China’s young workers pay the price of AI before reaping the gains
Jobs are not only being replaced by artificial intelligence, those seemingly secure will be restructured, with different tasks or a cut in pay. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with Chinese employees who are feeling the impact to find out what they are doing to secure their future.
Li Kang
14 Apr 2026
Society
Fighting cigarettes hits the state’s wallet: Can China crack down on smoking?
Chinese netizens are waging an online war against secondhand smoke, but with tobacco contributing billions to state coffers, can authorities truly crack down on smoking? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang looks into the issue.
Li Kang
09 Apr 2026
Economy
Xinjiang’s rising job market: A blessing and a burden?
In some sectors, Xinjiang has generally outpaced the national average, but such positive indicators may not align with the actual employment experiences for some groups, especially the minority groups. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with youths from Xinjiang to find out more.
Li Kang
01 Apr 2026
Society
Retiring on 300,000 RMB: China’s youth flee big cities for smaller towns
Amid uncertainty in China’s economic outlook and job market, the American concept of “Financial Independence, Retire Early” has trended among Chinese youth. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that people are motivated not just by the goal of early retirement, but also by regaining control of their time and life.
Li Kang
09 Mar 2026
Economy
Shadow banking under fire: AVIC Trust’s collapse
Trust companies in China have become a major source of financing outside the banking system. AVIC Trust’s failure shows how weak oversight, high-risk lending and a slumping property market can bring even state-owned institutions down. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang tells us more.
Li Kang
05 Feb 2026
Society
[Big read] Can Shanghai turn ‘vulgar’ micro-dramas into premium entertainment?
Micro-dramas are often seen as crass, quick-hit entertainment across China and beyond. Now, Shanghai’s International Short Video Center and its production park aim to elevate them, transforming bite-sized hits into premium storytelling. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with industry insiders to explore their plans.
Li Kang
04 Feb 2026
Society
When doctors earn 3,000 RMB: China’s healthcare pay squeeze
After years of training, some Chinese doctors now earn as little as 3,000 RMB a month. Pay cuts, rising pressure, and bleak prospects are forcing many to rethink a once-secure profession. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out more.
Li Kang
15 Jan 2026
Society
Why China’s young people are choosing to leave
Amid the gloomy employment prospects and unpleasant work environment in China, many youths are seeking opportunities overseas. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that even with narrowing migration pathways and expected hardships abroad, Chinese youths are determined to leave.
Li Kang
14 Jan 2026
Society
From deliveryman to tofu maker: The everyday poets of China
In the past, literary pursuits might have been the preserve of the elite. In modern-day Shanghai, however, the creation and appreciation of literature has been democratised, buoyed by the advent of social media. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang explores Shanghai’s burgeoning literary scene.
Li Kang
09 Dec 2025
Society
[Big read] Love is hard to find for millions of rural Chinese men
The gender imbalance in China, especially in the rural areas, has resulted in many men not being able to find a partner. Some are still looking; others have given up and are resigned to being single. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to some of these single men about their views.
Li Kang
05 Dec 2025