Economy
Technology
China’s space rise is real — yet key gaps still keep the US ahead
Beijing is rapidly catching up to Washington in the global space economy, with China dominating key dual-use technologies. However, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that China still lags behind in scale.
Li Kang
10 Jun 2026
Economy
Built to impress: Why China’s tourism boom leaves white elephants behind
China’s tourism boom has produced a wave of ambitious megaprojects across the country, but many have stalled or failed to attract visitors, leaving behind costly white elephants. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu reports.
Liu Liu
10 Jun 2026
Economy
China’s housing market flashes signs of life in core cities
China’s property market shows signs of life with sharp luxury project rebounds in Shenzhen and Shanghai. Yet this fragile recovery remains highly uneven; mid-tier markets still languish while growth relies heavily on bargain hunters.
Caixin Global
05 Jun 2026
Politics
[Big read] After Xi-Trump summit, a jittery Taiwan takes stock
Soon after the US-China summit in Beijing, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stressed that peace in the Taiwan Strait would not be sacrificed or traded away, and called for Taiwan to bolster its national strength and cooperate closely with Taiwan’s global democratic partners. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with academics and analyses the situation.
Miao Zong-Han
04 Jun 2026
Economy
From industrial giant to specialised supplier: The reshaping of Japan
Amid China’s tech rise, a demographic crisis and regional tensions, Japan is being forced to dismantle its post-war economic model and redefine its global role. Academic Tan Kong Yam analyses the challenges and the way forward for Japan.
Tan Kong Yam
03 Jun 2026
Politics
Sino-US relations after Xi-Trump summit: Towards a new stability?
If China and the US steadfastly build a “constructive relationship of strategic stability”, they would be well on their way to creating a new paradigm of major-country relations. The Beijing summit showed early signs of the two countries moving towards a more stable path, says Chinese academic Wu Xinbo.
Wu Xinbo
29 May 2026
Economy
Hooked on tobacco: Why China can’t quit despite decades of control
As public fights over smoking ignite fierce debate, China faces a deep structural dilemma: protecting public health without stubbing out a lucrative fiscal pillar. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out what keeps China hooked on smoking.
Liu Liu
25 May 2026
Politics
Japan, China and the race for Africa’s critical minerals
As Japan expands its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision across Africa, competition with China is increasingly centred on critical minerals, supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Japanese academic Mitsugi Endo analyses the implications.
Mitsugi Endo
25 May 2026
Economy
‘China is beautiful’: What Trump saw — and what Beijing is building
In the wake of Trump’s recent visit to China, his comment on China’s beauty prompts a look at the Beautiful China initiative, referring to its efforts aimed at preserving and improving China’s ecological assets. EAI deputy director Chen Gang explores the issue.
Chen Gang
22 May 2026
Economy
Can US-China economic ties regain stability despite rivalry?
The US-China summit underscored efforts to stabilise strained economic ties. Despite rivalry, both sides are exploring ways to reduce uncertainty across trade, investment and strategic sectors. EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen gives his take on what he calls a managed relationship.
Bo Chen
21 May 2026
Politics
China may power Southeast Asia’s nuclear future
As Southeast Asian countries ponder the use of nuclear power, China looks set to be a key player, given its advantages in technology, delivery and support. Academic Zha Daojiong notes that selecting a partner in nuclear energy is a long-term decision that goes beyond financial considerations.
Zha Daojiong
21 May 2026