The Chinese central government has not mentioned the “dynamic zero-Covid” policy as of late, sparking hopes that it will further ease Covid-19 control measures. With public anger boiling over in the form of protests in several cities, more signs of easing are needed. The path to reopening will not be smooth, but Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that any form of progress towards normalcy would be reassuring for the Chinese people.

JD.com founder Richard Liu has been in the news lately following an announcement that the company is set to improve social benefits for rank-and-file employees, while cutting salaries for senior management. While it seems to kill many birds with one stone, is this a long term solution for private firms?

After details of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s informal discussion during the G20 meeting was reported in Western media, Xi followed up with Trudeau to express his displeasure. However, the interaction sent Western media into a frenzy, reporting that Xi “confronted” or “scolded” Trudeau. In light of the sensationalisation of the incident, China may need to be more familiar with how the media in Western democracies work.

ASEAN is set to play host to world leaders, with three major events coming up over the next two weeks in Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand. The highlight is the G20 summit in Bali, where US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet face-to-face for the first time. Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong analyses what we can expect from these meetings.

As members of the 20th Politburo and its Standing Committee take the helm and usher in a new era of “China-style modernisation”, the market and public are showing clear signs of anxiety and dissatisfaction. Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong notes that the new leadership will have their work cut out for them to deliver the Chinese story well to its people and the outside world.

Starting from an email claiming to have a name list of the incoming Politburo Standing Committee for sale, Zaobao’s associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at the approaching 20th Party Congress of the CCP and explains the veil of secrecy around it, and what could be the outcome.

With the CCP’s 20th Party Congress just days away, CCP journal Qiushi released an article under Xi Jinping’s name, signalling his beliefs and intentions for a “great struggle” to realise a “great dream” — the revitalisation of the Chinese people. How effective will this revitalisation be, and how will the upcoming congress contribute?

Chinese President Xi Jinping was not seen in public for over a week after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Uzbekistan, sparking rumours of a “coup” ahead of the 20th Party Congress. Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong looks into the phenomenon, noting that in fact the 20th Party Congress has seen relatively few rumours surrounding it.

Corrupt officials linked to former Vice-Minister of Public Security Sun Lijun have recently been meted harsh sentences, among which include life imprisonment and removal of personal assets. Is the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) sending out a message, with just weeks left before the commencement of the 20th Party Congress? Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more about the CCP’s crackdown on “political factions”.