Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong looks at the recent incident of a mainland Chinese fishing boat capsizing off Kinmen after a chase with Taiwanese coast guard, leading to the death of two fishermen. Is mainland China using the crisis to create a new baseline to Beijing’s advantage?
Politics
The future world will neither be unipolar nor bipolar but multipolar; the structure will be fragmented, and the heights of the poles will be asymmetrical. Amid the tensions and pitfalls, how does Singapore cope in an increasingly complex world? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong speaks with Singapore’s ambassador-at-large and former ambassador to the US Chan Heng Chee about the challenges the world faces.
Politics
Based on current vote counts, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is set to clinch the Indonesian presidency after two previous losses against incumbent President Jokowi. Observers believe that Prabowo is riding on the popularity of Jokowi and could continue on the diplomatic path of non-alignment set out by the latter. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at what Prabowo’s victory could mean for Indonesia-China relations.
Politics
Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that while international media and observers are suggesting a power struggle between the Chinese Communist Party’s top ranking officials Li Qiang and Cai Qi, they are both in fact in just a “sharing the workload but not the power” relationship with General Secretary Xi Jinping.
Economy
While the latest economic results for China seem promising, one underlying factor could suggest otherwise — the lack of confidence in the authorities’ approach in stimulating the economy. How can China boost investor confidence and improve the economic climate?
Politics
With the Taiwan presidential election nearing its climactic end, Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes there has been nothing fresh with election rhetoric, leading to a dull affair. Nonetheless, the election carries a lot of weight given its potential impact on cross-strait and China-US relations.
Politics
While criticisms are levelled at mainland China for apparent interference in the upcoming Taiwan elections, it seems there is another less overt player — the US. Is it fair to only notice mainland China’s actions while overlooking US efforts? Meanwile, as the ruling DPP continues to use “China's interference in the elections” as a means to deal with its political opponents, this might intensify cross-strait animosity that could be hard to reverse.
Politics
Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that due to centralised power, vast resources and opaque internal operations, the risk of corruption in the Chinese military-industrial sector is high. The recent crackdown on corruption among the high-ranking officials in the People’s Liberation Army and the leadership of the military-industrial sector shows how deep-seated this issue is.
Politics
Evidently caught between the two major powers, Vietnam has shown adept skill at diplomacy in recent years, along with its soft handling of China and the US, allowing Vietnam to benefit from both sides even amid geopolitical conflict. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes us through how Vietnam uses "bamboo diplomacy" to develop and reassure its diplomatic relations.