Articles by Lim Zhan Ting

Human stories without humans: Has AI degraded China’s micro-dramas?

As AI slashes the cost and time needed to produce micro-dramas, China’s hottest entertainment trend is raising difficult questions about creativity, labour and who really profits. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to industry insiders.

Lim Zhan Ting

10 Jul 2026

‘China Shock’ or ‘China Gift’? Europe weighs its defences

Even as Europe blames China for its tottering economy, China says Europe needs to look at itself before shifting the responsibility. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to experts to find out more.

Lim Zhan Ting

01 Jul 2026

Why desperate local governments fund corporate fantasies

Driven by an insatiable hunger for economic performance, China’s local officials are plunging public funds into overhyped corporate ventures. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting looks inside the desperate game of “fleecing the old geezers”, or beng laotou.

Lim Zhan Ting

17 Jun 2026

[Big read] The Chinese chasing gold across Africa

Driven by the lure of riches, Chinese miners are risking it all to mine for gold in Africa. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out if it is worth it, amid government crackdowns and the known dangers.

Lim Zhan Ting

11 Jun 2026

Xi meets Putin after Trump summit to balance China-US-Russia triangle

Four days after a historic meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin has arrived in Beijing. Amid signs of easing China-US tensions, the Russian president’s visit serves as a powerful reminder that China-Russia relations remain strong. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks with academics to find out more.

Lim Zhan Ting

20 May 2026

[Big read] Pinglu Canal: Redrawing China-ASEAN trade routes

The Guangxi’s Pinglu Canal, hailed as the “project of the century”, is expected to open in September, adding a major artery to the region’s access to the sea and seen as a key to unlocking Guangxi’s development. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out from traders, shipping operators and local residents their expectations from the improved connectivity.

Lim Zhan Ting

30 Apr 2026

With Japan less than welcoming, where do the Chinese ‘run’ to?

Amid “involution” and competition in China, some Chinese are opting to migrate to Japan. However, given the current political tension between China and Japan, things are not as rosy as they had hoped. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to some Chinese in Japan to get their views.

Lim Zhan Ting

26 Mar 2026

Will China send warships to the Strait of Hormuz?

US President Donald Trump has drawn various comments and views for launching an offensive on Iran, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Now, Trump is asking China and other countries to help by sending military ships to escort other vessels. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting tells us more.

Lim Zhan Ting

16 Mar 2026

[Big read] How China builds influence, one parliament at a time

Beijing is paying for parliaments and palaces from West Africa to beyond. The buildings look like gifts, but they quietly anchor China inside the everyday spaces where power is performed. Are there really no strings attached? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out more.

Lim Zhan Ting

23 Feb 2026

Who’s winning the nuclear fusion race? 

One of the many areas where China is vying with the US is the nuclear industry, particularly nuclear fusion for energy. While the US remains ahead for now, China is also moving quickly to build its nuclear infrastructure. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to academics and those in the industry.

Lim Zhan Ting

13 Feb 2026

From Guangdong to Caracas: Why Enping Cantonese still choose Venezuela

For hundreds of thousands of Chinese people, particularly those from Enping in Guangdong, Venezuela represents more than just a troubled South American nation — it is a place of opportunity and unexpected safety. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks with these overseas Chinese to find out more.

Lim Zhan Ting

26 Jan 2026

China has too many incinerators. Southeast Asia has the trash

China built a vast waste-to-energy industry — then ran short of trash. As incinerators sit idle at home, Chinese firms are heading to Southeast Asia, pitching modern plants as a fix for looming landfill crises. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting reports.

Lim Zhan Ting

15 Jan 2026