Communism
Politics
Bamboo diplomacy no more? Vietnam’s growing comfort with China
Amid the complex dynamics of China-Vietnam relations, the balancing act between strategic autonomy and economic dependence is becoming increasingly precarious. Academic Alexander L. Vuving explains why.
Alexander L. Vuving
23 Apr 2026
Politics
Nepal’s new guard: How Gen Z fuelled a political sea change
In an unforeseen political upheaval for Nepal that saw the Rashtriya Swatantra Party win the largest political mandate in modern history, academic Rishi Gupta explores why Balen Shah and his party struck a chord across age groups, and how the new government plans to do a balancing act between India and China.
Rishi Gupta
02 Apr 2026
Society
[Video] Ethnic Chinese new villages: Malaysia’s hidden heritage or controversial legacy?
Malaysia’s ethnic Chinese new villages, born from colonial control against the communists, face decline amid ageing and migration. Yet revitalisation efforts through tourism and community initiatives offer hope, sparking debate over their cultural value and potential UNESCO heritage status. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Seoow Juin Yee speaks to residents and community leaders to find out more.
Seoow Juin Yee
29 Aug 2025
History
[Photos] How Sichuan rose from a famine unbeknownst to the world to become a ‘Land of Abundance’ [Eye on Sichuan series]
From the Three Kingdoms and Xinhai revolution, to the establishment of communism in China and the Great Famine, Sichuan played significant roles in key parts of China’s history. Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao shares photos of those turbulent times.
Hsu Chung-mao
29 May 2025
Politics
[Video] ThinkChina Forum 2025: China’s future and navigating a changing world order
At the inaugural ThinkChina Forum on 28 March 2025, Professor Wang Gungwu, University Professor, National University of Singapore, joined Professor Yasheng Huang, Professor of Global Economics and Management, MIT Sloan School of Management, in a panel discussion themed “China’s Future: Navigating a Changing World Order”. Moderated by ThinkChina editor Chow Yian Ping, the discussion covered topics such as China-US rivalry, Trump 2.0 and China’s development. Associate Professor Ngeow Chow Bing from the University of Malaya also offered his thoughts from the satellite event in KL. The following is an edited transcript of the panel discussion and Q&A session.
Chow Yian Ping
04 Apr 2025
Politics
Can China lead global civilisation?
Given China’s ambitions to lead global civilisation — as suggested by its Three Global Initiatives and Belt and Road Initiative — how should it seize this historic opportunity? In addition to siding with the progress of history and bold ideological innovations, the tougher challenge would be to avoid the trap of human nature, says US-based writer Lance Gore.
Lance Gore
01 Apr 2025
Politics
Deal or no deal: Trump’s China policy in a second term
US President-elect Donald Trump is set to be sworn in for his second term on 20 January 2025, and all eyes are on what his China policy will be. Can he drop his businessman’s mindset, or turn it towards a win-win situation? EAI senior research fellow Lance Gore explores the issue.
Lance Gore
10 Jan 2025
Politics
North Korea’s only hope: reform and opening up
North Korea desperately needs to modernise and open up, argues South Korean academic Kang Jun-young. According to Kang, Kim Jong Un should take a leaf out of China’s book and introduce political and economic reforms, or learn from Vietnam’s open-door approach. Only then will North Korea be able to achieve economic development and maintain power.
Kang Jun-young
02 Jan 2025
Politics
China’s Communist Party faces tall order at third plenum
While rebuilding the Leninist model enjoys strong party support and legitimacy, the Chinese Communist Party must confront various issues and challenges amid national and global contexts and current trends. Failing to address these issues could hinder China’s emergence and national rejuvenation, says EAI senior research fellow Lance Gore.
Lance Gore
10 Jul 2024
History
[Photo story] The first decade of 'new China': In the name of idealism
The first ten years of "new China" as established by the Chinese Communist Party were a time of initial progress and improvement, only to be followed by the problems of communism. Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao gives us a look into the idealism and difficulties of the time.
Hsu Chung-mao
19 Apr 2024