Central Vs Local Government
Politics
Why putting Chinese officials on speed dial won’t solve grassroots grievances
Chinese grassroots officials are handing out their mobile numbers for greater accessibility, but critics warn that the practice is little more than a fleeting PR stunt. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui finds out more.
Zhang Guanghui
01 Oct 2026
Society
When Chinese government accounts learn to meme — and face the risks
Chinese government new-media accounts are shedding bureaucratic language to connect with younger audiences, using cheeky headlines, memes and more. However, balancing personality, popularity and public responsibility is no easy feat. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out more.
Liu Liu
24 Sep 2026
Society
[Big read] The deadly climate blind spots fracturing China’s illusion of control
Extreme weather in China is growing more frequent and destructive, exposing weaknesses in how vital information travels to the top and the public. Can warnings and the truth arrive in time? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui finds out.
Zhang Guanghui
23 Sep 2026
Technology
Will AI drink China’s farms dry?
China’s AI buildout is placing growing demands on scarce water resources in its arid west, raising difficult questions about the competing needs of data centres, farmers, ecosystems and food security. EAI deputy director Chen Gang explains.
Chen Gang
21 Sep 2026
Politics
A sudden exit: Why Shenzhen replaced its mayor 100 days before APEC
With the high-stakes APEC summit just months away, Shenzhen’s sudden leadership change underscores intense political vetting. The last-minute reshuffle hints at a career setback for a rising star and sets an urgent task for his successor. Lianhe Zaobao’s China news editor Yang Danxu gives her take on the issue.
Yang Danxu
02 Sep 2026
Economy
Beijing unleashes confidence campaign to reassure markets
Chinese authorities are using commentaries to reshape the country’s economic narrative, manage expectations and rebuild market confidence ahead of key political events. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei speaks with academics to analyse the matter.
Sim Tze Wei
25 Aug 2026
Economy
[Big read] Can Tibet build an economy beyond state support?
High-altitude wine, beekeeping and conservation drones — these are just some of the businesses in Tibet generating employment and income. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out more about the plateau’s thriving niche markets from the locals and academics.
Liu Liu
19 Aug 2026
Technology
How China is funding its AI ambitions without US capital
China’s hard tech sector once relied heavily on US and other overseas capital. As geopolitical tensions closed that funding channel, Beijing built a multi-tier domestic capital system that is now reshaping how Chinese AI and semiconductor companies grow, exit and attract private investment, opines technology specialist Yin Ruizhi.
Yin Ruizhi
13 Aug 2026
Politics
[Video] Zhu Rongji: The iron-fisted premier who reshaped China’s economy
Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji reshaped China’s economy through sweeping reforms that came at a heavy social cost. His forceful style earned him the “economic tsar” label, but his legacy also reflects the limits of his power. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.
Miaw Zong-Han
13 Aug 2026
Economy
Zero self-sufficient provinces: China’s new fiscal reality
Data shows no province in China was able to fully cover its own spending in the first quarter, highlighting growing dependence on central government transfers as tax revenues become increasingly concentrated in Beijing. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing finds out more.
Chen Jing
29 Jul 2026