Explainers

[Video] Is the world entering a more dangerous nuclear era?

The collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear constraints under New START leaves the world’s nuclear guardrails in tatters, raising fears of great power friction and a renewed arms race. As limits fall away, states from Iran to North Korea are reassessing their options. With extended deterrence under strain, ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina examine how this unravelling nuclear order is reshaping global and regional security.

Lu Lingming, Yi Jina

10 Apr 2026

[Video] What the Iran war means for China

US‑Israel strikes on Iran could reverberate far beyond the Middle East, impacting China’s economy, energy security, regional influence and its ties with the US. While China maintains a cautious diplomatic approach, the unfolding Iran war could also create opportunities for it to gain leverage in its strategic rivalry with the US. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming speak with three experts to explore what the Iran war means for China.

Yi Jina, Lu Lingming

12 Mar 2026

[Video] Why young Chinese are losing faith in the pension system

China’s social security system covers more than a billion people, yet many young workers hesitate to pay in. Wide payout gaps, ageing pressures and low wages are eroding trust in pensions meant to secure their future. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina finds out more.

Yi Jina

16 Jan 2026

[Video] Evergrande crashes: What happens next?

Evergrande’s default was just the start. Its collapse exposed systemic risks in China’s housing market and economy. How did a single company spark a chain reaction, and what’s next? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming finds out.

Lu Lingming

12 Dec 2025

[Video] Boys’ Love in China: From fan fiction to cultural soft power

Once a niche subculture, China’s danmei (耽美), or Boys’ Love fiction, has grown into a global phenomenon adored by millions of young women. But after a wave of crackdowns and tighter online controls, questions are rising over danmei’s future, both within China and as a vehicle of global soft power.

Yi Jina

14 Nov 2025

[Video] Why foreign students get better dorms in China’s universities

China’s summer heat has turned campus life into a battle of comfort. While international students lounge in cool, air-conditioned dorms, local students bake in crowded, fanless rooms, with some even sleeping in corridors, libraries or minimarts just to find relief. The stark contrast has left many asking in frustration, “Why are foreigners treated better than us in our own country?”

Yi Jina

01 Sep 2025

[Video] How did Labubu become a global obsession?

All across the globe, “the Labubu craze” has erupted. What’s the story behind its rise? ThinkChina’s Lingming Lu gives his take on this global trend and discusses how Gen Zs like him have embraced this ugly-cute icon.

Lu Lingming

25 Jul 2025

[Video] Why are China’s EV brands struggling while the market booms? 

2024 was a record year for China’s EV market, accounting for 65% of global EV sales. But behind this success, a brutal civil war is playing out among domestic brands. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming looks into the situation.

Lu Lingming

25 Apr 2025

[Video] DeepSeek: Will Global AI dominance shift?

A new AI just shook the world. It’s faster, smarter and cheaper than other proprietary models — and best of all? It’s open-source. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming takes a closer look at DeepSeek.

Lu Lingming

07 Feb 2025

[Video] Easier to marry, harder to divorce: Is this what the Chinese want?

In China, with rules getting simpler for marriage and divorce laws tightening, people may be concerned about couples being trapped in unhappy marriages. Is making marriage easier and divorce harder really what Chinese people want? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming explores the issue.

Lu Lingming

20 Dec 2024

[Video] Why is China raising the retirement age?

China is set to gradually raise its retirement age from 1 January 2025, changing a policy that has remained untouched for over 70 years. The retirement age for men will rise from 60 to 63, while for women, it will increase from 55 to 58 for white-collar workers and from 50 to 55 for blue-collar workers, over a period of 15 years. Why is this policy shift necessary now? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming ponders the question.

Lu Lingming

18 Oct 2024

[Video] Kanye West in China: What the Chinese think

Kanye West, also known as Ye, one of the most controversial and influential artists of this generation, recently made a surprising return to China. He held not just one but two sold-out listening parties in Haikou, Hainan province — just days after Typhoon Yagi swept through. Given his controversial past and China’s strict censorship rules, it was hard to believe this performance was even happening. So, how did Kanye pull this off? And what does it mean for China’s cultural openness, especially in a place like Hainan? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming ponders the question.

Lu Lingming

04 Oct 2024