Hi-Tech Manufacturing

Can China’s slowing economy sustain its tech ambitions?

China sees technological self-reliance as the key to future growth. But with a slowing economy, can Beijing sustain the investment needed to achieve its high-tech ambitions over the long term? Economist Min-Hua Chiang examines the issue.

Min-Hua Chiang

31 Jul 2026

China’s AI-driven robotics boom faces IPO reality check

China’s strides in “embodied AI” — the integration of artificial intelligence into physical systems like robots — is built on world-class manufacturing and bold investor bets. But with IPOs looming, startups must prove their robots can generate real commercial value — not just hype.

Caixin Global

31 Jul 2026

China’s DUV breakthrough: Has America’s tech wall outlived its purpose?

China’s reported breakthrough in producing domestic DUV lithography machines could mark a turning point in its chip war with the US, but experts warn that catching up with global leaders remains a long road. Lianhe Zaobao China news correspondent Edwin Ong reports.

Edwin Ong

29 Jul 2026

Michael Wee: Why Singapore’s PATEC chose Taiwan over SGX

PATEC founder Michael Wee shares why he listed his precision engineering company in Taiwan, how AI revived its hard disk drive business, and his plans for PATEC’s next phase of growth in this interview with Lianhe Zaobao associate business editor Chew Boon Leong.

Chew Boon Leong

22 Jul 2026

[Big read] How China weaponised its rare earth monopoly

Rare earths are only part of the story. Over three decades, China has transformed export controls from a regulatory measure into a powerful geopolitical tool, reshaping global supply chains and strategic competition. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing explores how experts see Beijing’s strategy evolving.

Chen Jing

21 Jul 2026

How geopolitics rewired China’s economy

Looking beyond the numbers of China’s published half-year economic data, it is clear that structural changes in China’s economy are taking place, which will have broader effects in the longer term, says academic Gu Qingyang.

Gu Qingyang

15 Jul 2026

[Big read] One Taiwan, two speeds: The winners and losers of the AI boom

Taiwan’s AI boom is driving record growth and stock market highs, but beneath the prosperity, widening inequality and geopolitical risks threaten its long-term advantage. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai speaks with experts and people on the ground to find out.

Lai Oi Lai

15 Jul 2026

Is China a threat, or just out-engineering everyone?

Inverting Joseph Needham’s questions about the failure of modern science in China gives us a framework to understand China’s advances in science and innovation today, especially its edge in AI, says academic Erik Baark.

Erik Baark

13 Jul 2026

Has China hit the limits of chip self-reliance?

China is producing more chips than ever, but because its exports remain cheap compared to high-end imports, Beijing still depends heavily on foreign semiconductor technology. Economist Min-Hua Chiang shares her findings.

Min-Hua Chiang

16 Jun 2026

China’s space rise is real — yet key gaps still keep the US ahead

Beijing is rapidly catching up to Washington in the global space economy, with China dominating key dual-use technologies. However, Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang finds out that China still lags behind in scale.

Li Kang

10 Jun 2026

[Vox pop] Views of China and President Xi Jinping may be turning more positive

Based on soundings from our street interviews with people from different countries, perceptions of China seem rather positive, not only in terms of China’s economic power and high-tech manufacturing leap, but its leadership. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina speaks to the public to understand how views on China, its leadership and its global role are evolving — and what reservations remain.

Yi Jina

05 Jun 2026

Rewriting the rules: Huawei’s new gamble to break the US’s chip blockade

Huawei has unveiled a new chip design law that could help China bypass US semiconductor restrictions and achieve tech sovereignty. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong tells us more.

Han Yong Hong

29 May 2026