Humanity
Technology
What will movies be like without human actors?
iQIYI’s announcement of its AI talent pool has opened up new possibilities of using all-AI actors in film and TV. Yet how authentic are such productions without human emotion and expression? Academic Zhang Tiankan explores the issue.
Zhang Tiankan
05 Jun 2026
Culture
Is Ai Weiwei a figure of the past?
By embodying recognisable themes of political dissent, ideological trauma and cultural memory, early Chinese contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei acted as interfaces that helped the West understand China. But the milieu has changed, requiring new-gen artists to reexamine their identity and their art. Lianhe Zaobao visual journalist Fio Zhang gives her take on the issue.
Fio Zhang
29 May 2026
Technology
China tightens control over AI experts at private firms — will this backfire?
The global AI race is heating up as China makes a surprising move to keep top AI talents from leaving the country. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei finds out the implications.
Sim Tze Wei
28 May 2026
Politics
Why bombs don’t break Iran
The domestic issues and fragile regime in Iran would have led one to believe that an attack by the US would result in a quick defeat. Commentator Tao Ray offers a perspective on why Iran remains resilient: not because of its military strength or strategy, but the strong sense of “us versus them”.
Tao Ray
26 May 2026
Technology
[Big read] The dangers of unchecked AI on the battlefield
As AI is increasingly used in military action, how far do we go in letting AI decide who and what to strike? Is human accountability no longer applicable? Lianhe Zaobao associate foreign editor Poh Hwee Hoon tells us more.
Poh Hwee Hoon
02 Apr 2026
Society
[Big read] Not just money: Gold carries the weight of memories
Amid global uncertainty, rising inflation and weak consumer confidence, gold has once again come into favour as a safe-haven asset, echoing its role in times of war. Yet while its value can be measured in markets, the true weight of gold is not purely numerical. Beyond price and purity, it carries memories, meanings and emotional significance — as ThinkChina’s Grace Chong discovered in conversations with gold jewellers in Singapore and China, across generations.
Grace Chong
20 Mar 2026
Society
[Big read] Xiang Biao: The life we miss while chasing the future
Amid the onslaught of AI, how do we preserve our humanity? Anthropologist Xiang Biao speaks with Lianhe Zaobao associate editor and Fukan editor Woo Mun Ngan as part of Lianhe Zaobao’s Future 365 interview series, saying the best way to stay human is to focus on the present and appreciate what surrounds us.
Woo Mun Ngan
16 Mar 2026
Technology
The Buddha’s lesson for robots: Who’s real, who’s not?
The recent showcase of the ability and appearance of humanoid robots during China’s Spring Festival Gala has set off a storm of discussion on whether robots that are indiscernible from humans are welcomed or not. Academic Zhang Tiankan notes that while robots can take over menial work, it must never hold a higher status than humans.
Zhang Tiankan
06 Mar 2026
Culture
Taiwanese art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 2]
Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun continues reminiscing about his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, as well as other prominent literary figures such as Wang Zengqi and Ah Cheng. Through ups and downs, Nieh’s Aquarian character shines through, strong and resilient.
Chiang Hsun
02 Jan 2026
Culture
Taiwan art historian: My Aquarian friend Hualing who embraced everyone [Part 1]
Taiwan art historian Chiang Hsun remembers his time in Iowa, US, with Hualing Nieh Engle, reminiscing on her ability to embrace people from all walks of life — a perfect example of an Aquarian. Such is the breadth and depth of the Aquarius’s rushing waters, endlessly flowing, with the water bearer’s energy always being given away to all living creatures.
Chiang Hsun
26 Dec 2025
