Society
From singer Han Hong to China’s ambassador to India, recent online backlashes reveal how China’s attention economy can turn public frustration into viral outrage before regulators are able to respond. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.
Han Yong Hong
10 Jul 2026
Society
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
Society
Million-dollar overseas degrees, entry-level Chinese salaries
For decades, studying abroad was seen as a ticket to opportunity. Now, more Chinese graduates are returning home — only to find that foreign credentials carry less weight than before. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu examines the issue.
Liu Liu
08 Jul 2026
Society
[Big read] Too ‘cool’ to resist: China’s soft power captivates Taiwan’s youth
From TikTok trends to Chinese apps and pop culture, Beijing’s soft power is gaining traction among young Taiwanese, raising fresh questions over identity, influence and cross-strait competition. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lai Oi Lai and journalist Zhang Guanghui find out more.
Lai Oi Lai, Zhang Guanghui
01 Jul 2026
Society
How did a plane breach China’s most protected airspace?
How did a light aircraft manage to get past aviation security in Beijing and crash into a skyscraper, and what does the incident say about the measures taken in China’s capital? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han finds out more.
Miao Zong-Han
30 Jun 2026
Society
[Big read] Inside China’s arts exam shadow market
Behind China’s arts entrance exams lies a costly world of influence and opaque deals, where talent alone rarely secures a place. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Qi Lu speaks to those who have lived through such experiences, and to academics who explain how the system works.
Qi Lu
23 Jun 2026
Society
Sold by the kilo: China’s pet protection blind spot
Celebrity dog Chutou was stolen and sold to a dog meat restaurant in China, with the thieves and the slaughterer nonchalantly and unapologetically offering compensation. Will this start a new awareness of animal rights? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang gives her views.
Li Kang
22 Jun 2026
Society
Why more Hong Kong youths are opting out of work
Some young people in Hong Kong are becoming disengaged and content to drift along aimlessly, living with their parents who indulge them amid a more accepting society. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing examines the rise of the NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Tai Hing Shing
19 Jun 2026
Society
[Video] Dear You: How grassroots authenticity wins over Chinese filmgoers
A small Chaoshan dialect film, made on a tight budget with no celebrities and minimal marketing, went on to gross over 1.6 billion RMB at the box office, outperforming a wave of expensive, star-studded blockbusters. Chinese audiences shared positive word-of-mouth on social media, describing it as a “slow-cooked” film that offers a sincere and understated portrayal of ordinary lives. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina explores the factors behind Dear You’s strong resonance with viewers.
Yi Jina
17 Jun 2026
Society
[Big read] Why China’s viral cities rise fast and fade faster
As local governments in China bank on becoming the next viral sensation to revive local economies, experts warn that turning short-term internet hype into sustainable growth is a steep climb. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi tells us more.
Zeng Shi
17 Jun 2026
Society
How a Chinese film sparked cognitive warfare on Singapore
A heartfelt film about a Teochew grandmother unexpectedly triggered heated debate about culture and politics. Han Yong May, deputy editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, takes a look at the cognitive warfare campaign targeting Singapore’s multiracial identity.
Han Yong May
16 Jun 2026
