Meng Dandan
Journalist, Lianhe Zaobao Beijing BureauArticles by Meng Dandan
Politics
High ceremony, low expectations as Trump meets Xi in Beijing
Trump meets Xi in Beijing for a carefully choreographed summit dominated by trade, Taiwan and geopolitical tensions. Despite high ceremony and tightly managed optics, expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited on both sides. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei and journalist Meng Dandan break down what to expect.
Sim Tze Wei, Meng Dandan
12 May 2026
Economy
Hormuz chokes: China’s ‘world supermarket’ Yiwu feels the pain
One month on, the war in Iran rages on and the Strait of Hormuz remains a chokepoint for trades around the world. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan hones in on the impact on merchants from Yiwu, Zhejiang province — often dubbed the “world’s supermarket”.
Meng Dandan
01 Apr 2026
Society
From canteens to guesthouses: China unlocks idle state property
Across China, local government canteens, state guesthouses and more state-run facilities are opening up to the general public. Not only are these places well received by the people, the move also helps generate revenue for local governments and makes use of spaces that would otherwise be idle. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan finds out more.
Meng Dandan
09 Feb 2026
Economy
Speaking their language: How Chinese merchants are winning the Middle East
As China gets closer to the Middle East, trade relations are also growing, with market merchants in Beijing and Yiwu learning Arabic to open doors with buyers from the Middle East. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan finds out more.
Meng Dandan
30 Sep 2025
Economy
The cracks beneath China’s GDP
Despite China’s economic growth above market expectations for Q2 2025, analysts remain pessimistic amid the poor showing for consumer demand and the real estate sector. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Yush Chau and journalist Meng Dandan find out more.
Yush Chau, Meng Dandan
16 Jul 2025
Society
Studying in the US or staying home? Chinese students face a hard choice
Chinese students studying — and hoping to study — in the US are among the many victims caught in the crossfire between China and the US. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan tells us more about how the recent wave of immigration restrictions is affecting these students and their plans for the future.
Meng Dandan
07 Jul 2025
Politics
[Big read] More Chinese learning Russian as China-Russia ties strengthen
With China-Russia relations currently at a high, there is a renewed interest in learning the Russian language in China. Lianhe Zaobao journalists Yu Zeyuan and Meng Dandan ask: will the trend last, and how would university graduates stand to gain?
Yu Zeyuan, Meng Dandan
24 Sep 2024
Society
[Big read] Chinese youths embrace alternative therapies for mental well-being
As a result of China’s economic downturn and rampant “involution”, Chinese youths are suffering from anxiety, depression and insomnia. The “996” work culture, shaming of “lying flat”, and the erosion of sleep by mobile phones and the internet have taken their toll on this troubled demographic. Hence, urban Chinese youths are increasingly embracing new ways of alleviating pressure, including singing bowl sound therapy, aromatherapy, sound bed therapy and Buddhist meditation therapy. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan takes a look at this trend.
Meng Dandan
29 Apr 2024
Society
[Big read] Are rural areas a paradise for China's youths?
Battered by the pressure of urban living and the difficulties of landing a job as economic growth slows, heading to the countryside in pursuit of a slower pace of life is gaining traction among Chinese youths. However, most of the country's rural areas still lack vitality and employment opportunities are in short supply there. Is a return to the villages really a better way out for Chinese youths, or are they doing so because they have no other choice?
Meng Dandan
03 Jan 2024
Economy
Vacancy at an all-time high as companies move out of Beijing's prime office space
Despite the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions, the office vacancy rate in China's capital Beijing has not recovered, and is set to increase. From considerations such as rental cost and traffic, internet companies are opting to move out of prime central locations. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan tells us more.
Meng Dandan
26 Sep 2023