Global Governance
Politics
As China moves forward, America turns backward and inward
Comparing the US and Chinese presidents’ recent narratives, it is clear that China keeps moving forward as a confident global leader, while an insecure Trump is taking America backward, says US academic Zhiqun Zhu.
Zhiqun Zhu
21 Jul 2026
Technology
From rule-taker to rule-maker: China’s AI challenge to US dominance
The China-US AI rivalry is no longer just about building the most powerful models. It is a contest to shape AI ecosystems, define global rules and gain influence over how the technology develops worldwide. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei reports.
Sim Tze Wei
20 Jul 2026
Economy
Who governs food security now? Why Beijing’s answer matters most
Global food governance is increasingly dispersed across overlapping institutions and frameworks. Few countries are better positioned than China to bridge them, but whether Beijing chooses to do so remains the defining question, says researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
10 Jul 2026
Technology
How China’s quantum race threatens nuclear deterrence
China’s rapid advances in quantum technology are reshaping military competition and challenging the foundations of nuclear deterrence, forcing the US and its allies to confront a new era of strategic instability, says researcher Tahir Mahmood Azad.
Tahir Mahmood Azad
06 Jul 2026
Politics
Confucian new tianxia order: Humaneness to restrain nationalism and save globalisation
As the world makes radical swings between nationalism and cosmopolitanism, is there a third way — a Confucian world order ruled by a humaneness-based hierarchy? Academic Tongdong Bai ponders the question.
Tongdong Bai
05 Jun 2026
Politics
Why China must reject Trump’s ‘G2’ narrative
China’s embrace of multilateralism and rejection of a US-led “G2” order reflects Beijing’s belief that only broader global cooperation can counterbalance American pressure and reshape an increasingly fractured world order. Academic Gu Bin gives his take.
Gu Bin
20 May 2026
Politics
Trump–Xi summit delivers a triple win
While the US has unsuccessfully sought to suppress China, the latter has responded calmly and effectively to signal that it is not to be taken for granted. The latest meeting between the US and Chinese leaders may mark a new chapter of greater stability, both bilaterally and globally. Academic Gu Qingyang gives his analysis.
Gu Qingyang
18 May 2026
Politics
China’s forgotten role in shaping Japan’s pacifist constitution
Japan’s Constitution is set to mark its 80th anniversary in 2027 as debate over revision gains momentum. Yet Article 9 remains sensitive, with war-renunciation and armed forces limits still central to national consensus and contention, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima.
Shin Kawashima
18 May 2026
Politics
Private guns for China’s shipping lanes as chokepoint risks mount
China’s private security companies are rapidly expanding their capabilities and projecting power precisely where it counts most: the sea lanes of communication. This is especially significant when recent global conflicts are centred on the Strait of Hormuz and other maritime chokepoints of the world. Academic Alessandro Arduino analyses the situation.
Alessandro Arduino
14 May 2026
Politics
High ceremony, low expectations as Trump meets Xi in Beijing
Trump meets Xi in Beijing for a carefully choreographed summit dominated by trade, Taiwan and geopolitical tensions. Despite high ceremony and tightly managed optics, expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited on both sides. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei and journalist Meng Dandan break down what to expect.
Sim Tze Wei, Meng Dandan
12 May 2026