Governance

Singapore planned for success. Why shouldn’t Hong Kong?

Hong Kong’s first five-year plan marks a sharp break from its laissez-faire past, prompting concerns about state intervention. Academic Guanie Lim delves into the issue and compares it with Singapore’s success story — one that was never purely market-driven.

Guanie Lim

08 Oct 2026

The world has passed peak Trump

Donald Trump’s global and domestic influence may be fading, but commentator Ian Bremmer notes that AI could remain the one domain where his capacity to disrupt the world order continues to grow.

Ian Bremmer

06 Oct 2026

Popular at home, friction abroad: The limits of Japan PM Takaichi’s appeal

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s leadership style has won over the public, but navigating relations with China and building trust with world leaders remains her toughest test. Japanese academic Shin Kawashima analyses the first year of her premiership.

Shin Kawashima

05 Oct 2026

In Singapore, a woman knew her harasser. In China, 20 women never met theirs

Who should stop an online crowd? Singapore’s new Online Safety Commission helps victims get harmful posts taken down and find out who harmed them. China’s draft Anti-Cyberviolence Law would make platforms slow a crowd turning on someone before anyone complains. Victims need both, argues academic Ashton Ng. Platforms see the crowd first and should act first. But the crowd is made of individuals, and each of us can refuse to join it.

Ashton Ng

02 Oct 2026

To stabilise, not stimulate: China’s measured fix for a stagnant market

The measured scale of China’s mortgage interest subsidy underscores a reluctance to aggressively stimulate the property market. So should policymakers shift their focus from investment towards consumption instead? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take.

Han Yong Hong

02 Oct 2026

Prof Daniel A. Bell: Ancient Chinese thoughts asked questions that still matter today

Professor Daniel A. Bell has spent decades studying China, its political system and philosophies. In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao video producer Audrey Jiajia Li, he shares his views about leadership, anti-corruption and Confucian principles.

Audrey Jiajia Li

01 Oct 2026

Why putting Chinese officials on speed dial won’t solve grassroots grievances

Chinese grassroots officials are handing out their mobile numbers for greater accessibility, but critics warn that the practice is little more than a fleeting PR stunt. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui finds out more.

Zhang Guanghui

01 Oct 2026

Xi is breaking succession rules. What about everyone else?

Xi Jinping has already broken key CCP leadership conventions. As the 21st Party Congress approaches, three possible succession models could determine whether Beijing sees greater stability, deeper political turbulence or stronger action abroad. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.

Miao Zong-Han

28 Sep 2026

Why China doubts US calls to pause AI

Sentiment among Chinese AI companies that they cannot be sure if American companies are slowing down shows that in AI pacing, credibility is key. Before restraint can become reciprocal, it has to become observable, says Chinese researcher Sun Chenghao.

Sun Chenghao

25 Sep 2026

AI is not the same as nuclear weapons. Can the US and China cooperate?

Unlike nuclear weapons, AI is deeply embedded in economic competition and driven largely by private firms, making it harder for Washington and Beijing to slow its development or verify limits. Cooperation may instead focus on reducing risks, says US academic Sarah Kreps.

Sarah Kreps

24 Sep 2026

When Chinese government accounts learn to meme — and face the risks

Chinese government new-media accounts are shedding bureaucratic language to connect with younger audiences, using cheeky headlines, memes and more. However, balancing personality, popularity and public responsibility is no easy feat. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out more.

Liu Liu

24 Sep 2026

[Big read] The deadly climate blind spots fracturing China’s illusion of control

Extreme weather in China is growing more frequent and destructive, exposing weaknesses in how vital information travels to the top and the public. Can warnings and the truth arrive in time? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zhang Guanghui finds out.

Zhang Guanghui

23 Sep 2026