Governance
Economy
Tan Kong Yam: China’s dual economy is built for the long game
Singapore economist Tan Kong Yam argues that Beijing believes China’s weak traditional economy can endure while its technology sector drives long-term growth, eventually pulling the broader economy towards a gradual recovery. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong reports.
Edwin Ong
07 Aug 2026
Politics
Why Xi gathered China’s top scientists in Beidaihe
China’s annual Beidaihe retreat has put basic research and frontier technologies centre stage, offering a rare glimpse into President Xi Jinping’s priorities as Beijing seeks breakthroughs in critical technologies. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing finds out.
Chen Jing
06 Aug 2026
Society
Passports surrendered: Inside China’s expanding web of exit controls
China’s new regulations have reignited concerns over who may be prevented from leaving the country. While Beijing says the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security, broad discretionary powers and vague definitions could create greater uncertainty for travellers, says Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu.
Yang Danxu
05 Aug 2026
Politics
Is Cai Qi China’s real number two?
Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi appears to be Chinese President Xi Jinping’s right-hand man, but depending on whether trust or caution is higher in Xi’s calculations, Cai’s fate will be decided at the 21st Party Congress, says Taiwanese academic Wen-Hsuan Tsai.
Wen-Hsuan Tsai
04 Aug 2026
Politics
The hidden divide: Why China’s vice-ministers rarely reach the top
In China, ministers and vice-ministers play distinct roles which may not be part of a single career path. A close study of ministerial officials informs the wider analysis of China’s political elite, say academics Li Cheng and Ren Xinyuan.
Li Cheng, Ren Xinyuan
27 Jul 2026
Society
[Video] Rare Hubei tornadoes expose China’s rising weather risk
Three rare tornadoes in Hubei exposed a stark new reality: China must prepare for increasingly complex extreme weather with better forecasting, more resilient cities and stronger disaster response. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina and Lu Lingming find out more.
Yi Jina, Lu Lingming
24 Jul 2026
Politics
From property boom to AI: China’s next corruption risk
The downfall of former Politburo member Ma Xingrui exposes how political influence and commercial interests became intertwined during China’s property boom. In the AI age, can new forms of public resources be governed without creating new opportunities for rent-seeking? Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei explores.
Sim Tze Wei
23 Jul 2026
Society
Can China’s cities keep pace with climate change?
Heatwaves, floods and typhoons are becoming more frequent and severe across China. The pressing question is whether its cities can upgrade infrastructure and build resilience quickly enough to keep pace. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu looks into the matter.
Liu Liu
23 Jul 2026
Politics
Top tigers fall in Xi’s endless purge
A fresh wave of high-level investigations suggests Beijing’s anti-corruption drive is no longer a periodic campaign but an enduring mechanism for strengthening party discipline and political control. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong analyses China’s efforts.
Han Yong Hong
03 Jul 2026