China Influence
Society
Distrusting Beijing, encountering ‘everyday China’ in the Philippines
Younger Filipinos seem to have more nuanced attitudes towards China and encounter its soft power in different ways than their parents’ generation, but this does not mean a sea change has occurred. Academic Jan Robert R Go gives his analysis.
Jan Robert R Go
13 Oct 2026
Politics
Shifting tides: Why global approval is swinging from US to China
China is surging past the US in global approval ratings from Latin America to Southeast Asia. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu explains why Beijing’s popularity stems less from shared ideological values and more from growing dissatisfaction with US foreign policy.
Yang Danxu
07 Oct 2026
Politics
How China’s ethnic unity law targets Taiwanese identity
China’s new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law goes beyond domestic ethnic policy, bringing cross-strait exchanges, media, education and online activity into a broader political narrative aimed at shaping Taiwanese identity and advancing unification, argues academic Chang Chun-Yen.
Chang Chun-Yen
29 Sep 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
Economy
Why Luckin Coffee struggles to cross the Taiwan Strait
Mainland Chinese brand Luckin Coffee’s attempted entry into Taiwan has become entangled in questions over mainland investment, its proposed local agency arrangement and even national security. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lai Oi Lai finds out more.
Lai Oi Lai
21 Sep 2026
Economy
Can Southeast Asia survive Pinduoduo’s price onslaught?
Competing with Chinese e-commerce giants on price is a losing battle for Southeast Asia. Entrepreneur Simon Lim proposes a new model that leverages global supply chains, distributed local retail networks and AI to help it gain the strategic edge.
Simon Lim
11 Sep 2026
Economy
[Big read] Is Singapore the ultimate ‘China+1’ biopharma hub?
China’s biotech industry is becoming a formidable force in drug R&D and manufacturing. For Singapore, its rise brings new competition — but also an opportunity to strengthen its role as a trusted China+1 hub for global pharma. Lianhe Zaobao senior business correspondent Lewis Ong Yong Huat speaks with industry players and government officials to find out more.
Lewis Ong Yong Huat
09 Sep 2026
Politics
China’s Pacific ambitions go beyond isolating Taiwan
China’s objectives in strengthening ties with the Pacific island countries have gone beyond restricting Taiwan’s international space to more strategic considerations such as blunting US military power in the Indo-Pacific and projecting its own influence and power beyond the second island chain, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.
Lye Liang Fook
04 Sep 2026
Politics
What Beijing really means by a ‘strategic partnership’ with Iran
Iran pegs China a certain way in its foreign policy, making it hard for Beijing to meet Tehran’s expectations. China will always proceed with caution, so long as it sees Iran mired by sanctions, economic weakness and regional confrontation, says Chinese academic Fan Hongda.
Fan Hongda
19 Aug 2026
Society
Why Beijing shelved its Taiwan war blockbuster
A lavish war epic about the Qing conquest of Taiwan was meant to be China’s next blockbuster. Instead, it vanished twice, raising questions about Beijing’s evolving Taiwan narrative and political messaging. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong explains.
Han Yong Hong
30 Jul 2026