Infrastructure
Technology
China’s AI race: Can it make energy and computing work as one?
China is attempting to merge three national networks — computing, telecommunications and electricity — to win the AI race. Academic Ruay-Shiung Chang discusses why the global AI race is no longer simply about algorithms and semiconductors.
Ruay-Shiung Chang
10 Sep 2026
Economy
Ice Silk Road: Russia breaks ice, China builds the market
China and Russia could be the linchpin of the Ice Silk Road, leveraging the Northern Sea Route. With them as the anchor and middle powers providing functional support, the Arctic route just gained more geoeconomic appeal, says academic Hao Nan.
Hao Nan
31 Aug 2026
Politics
Why China’s land routes may fail in a Taiwan crisis
China has built overland routes to reduce its reliance on vulnerable sea lanes. But lessons from Ukraine and Iran suggest cheap drones and long-range strikes could leave those lifelines exposed in a Taiwan crisis, says Italian commentator Emanuele Scimia.
Emanuele Scimia
31 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
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
Why does Beijing want North Korea’s Tumen River?
Beijing’s latest rapprochement with Pyongyang reflects a calculated exchange of economic assistance, security coordination and geopolitical interests, with the long-blocked Tumen River sea route emerging as a potential strategic payoff. Journalist Kang Gwiyoung explains.
Kang Gwiyoung
21 Jul 2026
Economy
Temasek’s new blueprint: More America, more AI, less China
Temasek’s record S$518 billion portfolio is only part of the story. Its latest investment strategy points to a future shaped by AI, growing exposure to America and a more selective approach to China. Lianhe Zaobao associate business editor Hu Yuanwen gives her analysis.
Hu Yuanwen
17 Jul 2026
Technology
One size fits none: Why China’s top-down disaster response must evolve
From tornadoes in Hubei to flooding in Guangxi and Typhoon Bavi threatening Zhejiang, China is confronting increasingly diverse climate risks. The challenge is no longer just rapid mobilisation, but adapting disaster response to vastly different regional realities. EAI deputy director Chen Gang analyses the issue.
Chen Gang
14 Jul 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
Politics
A tungsten mine exposes Myanmar’s China-Russia balancing act
Russia’s recent entry into tungsten mining in Myanmar reveals a three-way resource-security triangle: China controls much of the flow, Russia seeks a stake, while Myanmar’s military government is using access to resources as leverage. Academic Hao Nan gives his assessment.
Hao Nan
22 Jun 2026
Politics
Japan, China and the race for Africa’s critical minerals
As Japan expands its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision across Africa, competition with China is increasingly centred on critical minerals, supply chains and strategic infrastructure. Japanese academic Mitsugi Endo analyses the implications.
Mitsugi Endo
25 May 2026