Immigration
Society
Are Singaporeans disappearing? The identity challenge behind the baby crisis
To confront a historically low total fertility rate, Singapore is re-engineering social frameworks for parenthood. As the nation turns to global immigrants, it needs to ensure that new arrivals successfully forge a rooted national identity. Han Yong May, deputy editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, considers the issues at stake.
Han Yong May
08 Sep 2026
Culture
[Video] Was Cantonese really the language of Tang poets?
With copious research into the vivid histories of Hong Kong and Guangzhou, academic Lian-Hee Wee and researcher Winnie HY Cheung trace a quirky timeline of the evolution of the Cantonese language in ThinkChina’s Eye on Guangdong series.
Lian-Hee Wee, Winnie HY Cheung
28 Aug 2026
Politics
[Video] Bilahari Kausikan: How to navigate the new world order
Bilahari Kausikan, in an interview with ThinkChina editor Chow Yian Ping, examines how US-China rivalry is reshaping the global order, why China’s “China dream” narrative of national rejuvenation remains powerful but limiting, and how a more fluid, multipolar Asia will test the nimbleness of smaller states such as Singapore.
Chow Yian Ping
12 Aug 2026
Politics
As China moves forward, America turns backward and inward
Comparing the US and Chinese presidents’ recent narratives, it is clear that China keeps moving forward as a confident global leader, while an insecure Trump is taking America backward, says US academic Zhiqun Zhu.
Zhiqun Zhu
21 Jul 2026
Society
Million-dollar overseas degrees, entry-level Chinese salaries
For decades, studying abroad was seen as a ticket to opportunity. Now, more Chinese graduates are returning home — only to find that foreign credentials carry less weight than before. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu examines the issue.
Liu Liu
08 Jul 2026
Politics
Can India-Taiwan ties withstand backlash over Indian migrant workers?
While Taiwan looks for ways to diversify its labour pool with Indian workers high on that list, civil society and the opposition have come in with scaremongering tactics that may jeopardise Taiwan’s steady relations with India. Academic Ghulam Ali weighs in on the issue.
Ghulam Ali
06 May 2026
Society
Empire in decline? Asian Americans in an age of anxiety
Amid intensified immigration enforcement, many immigrants and Asian Americans report rising fear, discrimination and uncertainty, reshaping daily life and eroding confidence in the American promise. Chinese American academic Wu Guo shares some insight on the long-term impact of ICE operations on the psyche of the Asian community.
Wu Guo
23 Apr 2026
Society
With Japan less than welcoming, where do the Chinese ‘run’ to?
Amid “involution” and competition in China, some Chinese are opting to migrate to Japan. However, given the current political tension between China and Japan, things are not as rosy as they had hoped. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lim Zhan Ting speaks to some Chinese in Japan to get their views.
Lim Zhan Ting
26 Mar 2026
Society
[Big read] Can China’s new migrants find a home in Takaichi’s Japan?
Relaxed immigration policies and shifting geopolitical dynamics have ushered Japan into the “era of one million overseas Chinese”. Writer Foo Choo Wei discovers that amid shifts in policy and deteriorating China-Japan relations, these Chinese migrants must balance good neighbourliness while preserving their culture and language.
Foo Choo Wei
13 Mar 2026
Politics
When donations decide wars: How lobbyists sway US foreign policy
US foreign policy today is greatly influenced by immigration patterns, organised lobbying and campaign finance dynamics, causing huge pendulum swings that have major consequences. Academic Ma Haiyun shares his views.
Ma Haiyun
05 Mar 2026