Globalisation

China as an absolute advantage economy

Given China’s current industrial and financial stature, Professor Yasheng Huang observes that the puzzle is not why China exports cars, but why it is still exporting t-shirts.

Yasheng Huang

30 Jun 2026

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

Singapore’s leaders see a dangerous new world

As the global order fragments and great power tensions rise, Singapore’s leaders are signalling a new era of strategic vigilance — one shaped by resilience, credibility and long-term survival, observes Lianhe Zaobao editorial consultant Goh Sin Hwee.

Goh Sin Hwee

11 May 2026

America’s tariff wars are far from over

While the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs has put a dent in President Trump’s strategy and the Middle East crisis adds caution, the US’s tariffs wars are far from over. China and other major surplus economies could be vulnerable to new measures. As trade talks continue and China-US industrial relations stay firmly intertwined, says Chinese academic Tao Zhigang, Chinese companies need to transform to survive.

Tao Zhigang

19 Mar 2026

China as number three?

The latest OECD projections suggest that India will be the world’s largest economy in the next 40 years or so, with the US stabilising in second and China third. EAI non-resident senior fellow Bert Hofman offers an analysis of the reasons and factors behind this forecast.

Bert Hofman

04 Mar 2026

The polytunity of the post-2025 world order

In a multipolar world where neither the US nor China is the single hegemon, strides in AI and reconfigured globalisation will dominate global transformation. To best harness change, people need a new mindset, says Professor Yuen Yuen Ang.

Yuen Yuen Ang

29 Jan 2026

Why China’s young people are choosing to leave

Amid the gloomy employment prospects and unpleasant work environment in China, many youths are seeking opportunities overseas. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that even with narrowing migration pathways and expected hardships abroad, Chinese youths are determined to leave.

Li Kang

14 Jan 2026

Hainan Free Trade Port: A game changer?

In December 2025, Hainan became an independent customs zone from the rest of mainland China, advancing its aim of becoming a globally influential free trade port by 2050. Other factors, not just favourable tariffs alone, will determine the success of this project, says academic Ngeow Chow Bing.

Ngeow Chow Bing

07 Jan 2026

Why the RMB is not trying to topple the dollar

China is steadily increasing the global footprint of the RMB, quietly reshaping financial networks in ways that are strategic, incremental, and far more nuanced than a direct challenge to the dollar. Academic Hao Nan gives his analysis.

Hao Nan

13 Nov 2025

Inside Xi Jinping’s push to reshape global governance

China’s recently unveiled Global Governance Initiative (GGI) differs from earlier calls to reform the global order in terms of the scope and drive for change. Beijing now seeks a leading role on the world stage either with the US playing a diminished role or without the US. But global reception to the GGI hinges on Beijing matching its words with action.

Lye Liang Fook

19 Sep 2025

Chan Chun Sing: Why small states must choose principles, not sides

At the second plenary session of the 12th Xiangshan Forum held in Beijing on 18 September, Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke about three dangers that have upended the prevailing world order and what small states can do in the face of increasing pressure. This is an edited transcript of his speech.

Chan Chun Sing

19 Sep 2025

Building bridges, not walls: Tan Yinglan steering Asia’s venture capital through global rivalries

How does a boy who carried his schoolbooks in a rice sack grow up to lead a venture capital firm driving innovation across Asia? Lianhe Zaobao senior writer Woon Wei Jong speaks with Insignia Ventures Partners founder Tan Yinglan on trust, growth and global challenges.

Woon Wei Jong

17 Sep 2025