Beijing
Politics
Beijing’s new favourite: A Green camp rebel leads the Kuomintang
Once a pro-independence pundit, Cheng Li-wun’s rise to lead Taiwan’s Kuomintang has stunned both sides of the Strait — and given Beijing unexpected hope that a Green camp outsider might revive its dream of peaceful reunification. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Sim Tze Wei examines the issue.
Sim Tze Wei
30 Oct 2025
Economy
The rise of China’s ‘affordable MUJIs’ and what it means for the original
China’s homegrown brands like Miniso and NetEase Yanxuan are rapidly gaining ground with affordable, stylish products that challenge MUJI’s dominance. As these “affordable MUJIs” grow, the original brand is forced to rethink its strategy in a shifting market. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at MUJI’s strategy to expand in China.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
01 Sep 2025
Society
Beijing’s flood came for the elderly first
Heavy rains in Beijing have left at least 44 people dead, most of them elderly and infirm. Despite official reports of evacuations, residents in Miyun district said they woke up to knee-high waters and had to leave on their own. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing assesses what more can be done.
Chen Jing
04 Aug 2025
Society
From Beijing to Shanghai: How China’s invisible migrants claim space through sports
The decision to support a football or basketball team might seem like a trivial matter, but master’s candidate Wang Yuchen says that it reveals deeper issues of urban identity and social integration in China. He explains how internal migrants in cities like Beijing and Shanghai express dissatisfaction and negotiate their identity through their support for hometown teams.
Wang Yuchen
07 Jul 2025
Economy
China’s local provinces and cities set ambitious 2025 growth targets
China’s major cities and provinces are setting growth targets for 2025 around 5%, auguring a similar figure for the national target this year. But are these targets achievable amid adverse domestic conditions and global uncertainty? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong discusses the issue.
Han Yong Hong
17 Jan 2025
Economy
Michelin stars lose their lustre in China’s slowing economy
They may be celebrated for exemplifying culinary excellence, but Michelin-starred establishments in China are facing sluggish domestic demand as consumers tighten their belts in a tough economy. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing takes a look at how restaurants are coping.
Chen Jing
26 Nov 2024
Economy
How consumption is rebounding in China’s second- and third-tier cities
Lianhe Zaobao journalist Li Kang notes that there is an increase in spending in non-first-tier cities in China, in contrast to people tightening their belts in first-tier cities such as Shanghai. How long will this last, and can the domestic market prop up China’s economy?
Li Kang
09 Sep 2024
Economy
Beijingers spurn eating out amid sluggish economy
Large Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, home to many high-income groups, have long been hubs for high-end dining and luxury retail. However, salary cuts in the financial sector, layoffs in major tech companies and a sluggish real estate market are now slowing income growth and decreasing consumers’ appetite to spend.
Caixin Global
30 Aug 2024
Politics
Taiwanese youths getting more antagonistic towards mainland China?
During the Olympics, US academic Wu Guo sees examples of Taiwanese spectators and netizens appealing to a rising self-assertion of being “Taiwanese” among young people. He asks: would a sense of Taiwanese smugness, hostility and assertiveness towards mainland China worsen cross-strait relations?
Wu Guo
08 Aug 2024
Economy
Taiwan’s economic pivot towards Southeast Asia could help maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait
Taiwan is seeking to diversify its economy’s dependence on China towards a greater focus on Southeast Asia. This would yield benefits in more ways than one.
Hoang Thi Ha, Pham Thi Phuong Thao
11 Jun 2024