Governance
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
Society
How did a plane breach China’s most protected airspace?
How did a light aircraft manage to get past aviation security in Beijing and crash into a skyscraper, and what does the incident say about the measures taken in China’s capital? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han finds out more.
Miao Zong-Han
30 Jun 2026
Economy
From SpaceX to Meta: The geopolitics of who gets to invest
While SpaceX underwriters barred orders from investors in mainland China and Hong Kong leading up to its IPO, the Chinese government blocked Meta’s acquisition of Manus. Law experts Tan Chong Huat and Amanda Chen analyse the implications of such moves.
Tan Chong Huat, Amanda Chen
25 Jun 2026
Politics
High quality, high anxiety: Southeast Asia’s BRI paradox
An online survey by ISEAS on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner. ISEAS academics Eugene RL Tan and Hoang Thi Ha explain.
Eugene RL Tan, Hoang Thi Ha
22 Jun 2026
Culture
[Video] Hsu Chung-mao: Why I am both Taiwanese and Chinese
Taiwanese historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao had a front-row seat to history as a war journalist, and became part of it himself when he was injured during the 1989 Tiananmen incident. Decades spent collecting and colourising rare photographs have shaped how he sees the past — and why he sees himself as both Taiwanese and Chinese. In a conversation with ThinkChina’s Charlene Chow, he reflects on history, identity and the twists of fate that have shaped his journey.
Charlene Chow
19 Jun 2026
Economy
Why desperate local governments fund corporate fantasies
Driven by an insatiable hunger for economic performance, China’s local officials are plunging public funds into overhyped corporate ventures. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting looks inside the desperate game of “fleecing the old geezers”, or beng laotou.
Lim Zhan Ting
17 Jun 2026
History
[Photos] What I saw at Tiananmen in 1989 before I was shot (Part 2)
In the second part of a two-part article, historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao recounts his rescue, treatment and recovery following his near-fatal gunshot wound to the neck as a young journalist during the 1989 Tiananmen incident.
Hsu Chung-mao
15 Jun 2026
History
[Photos] What I saw at Tiananmen in 1989 before I was shot (Part 1)
Historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao recounts a pivotal time in his life and world history, tracing back the events surrounding his near-fatal gunshot wound to the neck as a young journalist during the 1989 Tiananmen incident.
Hsu Chung-mao
15 Jun 2026
Economy
What SpaceX’s IPO means for China
While the SpaceX IPO may spur greater Chinese investment in AI-related high technology, it could also lead to side effects like speculative bubbles. Meanwhile, with national security politics overriding commercial pragmatism, China may increasingly be at a disadvantage. EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen analyses the situation.
Bo Chen
15 Jun 2026
Society
China is everywhere at the World Cup except on the field
Despite the ambitions of Chinese President Xi Jinping for China to be in the World Cup, China has only qualified for the finals once before, and will not feature in this year’s edition — except in supporting roles. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei notes that football is a grassroots activity and can only thrive if allowed to grow organically.
Sim Tze Wei
11 Jun 2026