Central Vs Local Government

[Big read] Banned or not, Taiwanese keep heading to mainland China anyway

Despite restrictions on group tours, Taiwanese continue travelling to mainland China in growing numbers, driven by demand, rising costs at home and expanding unofficial travel channels. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang reports from Taipei.

Chuang Hui Liang

China’s regional slowdown: Painful but necessary?

China’s first-quarter data show stark decelerations in several regions. However, Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing notes that this could be a more accurate record of the economic situation.

Chen Jing

[Big read] China’s rural officials are performing for attention online, with Xi’s blessing

China’s village officials are turning to livestreams, dances and short-form videos to sell rural products and boost local economies, citing President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on e-commerce to justify the shift, though it sits uneasily with expectations that officials keep a low profile. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui reports.

Zhang Guanghui

[Big read] OpenClaw sparks China’s one-person AI start-up boom

China’s young entrepreneurs are embracing a new wave of AI-driven solo start-ups, as the OpenClaw craze reshapes how one-person companies are built, scaled and powered by digital “agents”. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yush Chau reports from China.

Yush Chau

A short-lived catch: China’s AI lobster frenzy

Despite the nationwide frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw, fuelled by strong public enthusiasm and support from local governments, the central Chinese government was quick to issue warnings about security risks. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing takes a look at the craze that came and went.

Chen Jing

Why China’s finances are weaker than they seem

While China has outlined an expansionary macroeconomic strategy, researcher Amit Kumar dives into the fiscal data that show the severe limitations of China’s fiscal capacity, such as a declining national budget revenue and high debt burden.

Amit Kumar

China enters the 4% growth era: Stability over speed

Amid rising global uncertainty and frequent international trade frictions, the Chinese government’s lower national growth target reflects its emphasis on stability. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong observes that this eases the pressure on local governments but leaves international investors cautious.

Han Yong Hong

Trump is mistaken: China is a wind power giant

Contrary to US President Trump’s Davos comments on Chinese wind farms, China’s wind power is a central pillar of its energy transition, with wind farms dotted around the country’s northern and northwestern regions, and in recent times, along its southeastern coastlines too. But these efforts are not without its challenges, such as an entrenched top-down approach and the difficulty of turning wind capacity into efficiently used, reliably transmitted clean power. EAI deputy director Chen Gang shares his insights.

Chen Gang

​After Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s safeguards tighten

A white paper on safeguarding China’s national security released a day after the sentencing of media mogul Jimmy Lai sends a clear signal: the government will not relent in its efforts to uphold national security in Hong Kong. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing speaks with academics to find out the implications.

Tai Hing Shing

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

China-Japan dispute: Japanese entertainers caught in the political fallout

It appears that all aspects of society cannot be separated from politics, with the entertainment industry being the latest collateral damage in the China-Japan dispute. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu takes a look at the impact on musical concerts and shows over the past week.

Yang Danxu

Chinese public questions transparency over delays in deadly accident reports

Delayed official reports of public safety incidents have stirred up public discord. Is the lack of regulations in the timely release of public information an attempt to sweep things under the rug and cover up incidents? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui takes a look at the matter.

Zhang Guanghui