International Relations
Politics
Zhu Rongji: A legacy of transforming China’s economy and forging relations with ASEAN
A key standard-bearer of 1990s economic reform, former Premier Zhu Rongji, who passed away on 12 August, leaves a lasting imprint on China’s taxation, state-owned enterprises, accession to the World Trade Organization, and even on ASEAN. Lianhe Zaobao’s Sim Tze Wei and Tan Ke-Yang take a look at his legacy.
Sim Tze Wei, Tan Ke-Yang
13 Aug 2026
Politics
[Big read] China’s multidimensional squeeze: ‘Governing’ Taiwan before reunification
Beijing is widening its Taiwan strategy, using diplomacy, law, maritime pressure and integration to gradually create conditions for reunification. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with experts to find out.
Miao Zong-Han
12 Aug 2026
Politics
Japan and Taiwan’s strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific
Japan’s updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy and Taiwan’s expanding diplomatic vision are helping to foster an increasingly aligned approach while avoiding unnecessary confrontation with China. Japanese academic Madoka Fukuda tells us more.
Madoka Fukuda
04 Aug 2026
Politics
Quietly, not silently: How Vietnam deals with China on the South China Sea
Vietnam did not sign the joint statement on the Tribunal Award invalidating China’s claims on the South China Sea. Hanoi’s consistent “speak less, do more” approach combines public restraint with a range of quieter policy tools, observes ISEAS academic Huynh Trung Dung.
Huynh Trung Dung
04 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
Politics
Buying certainty: How Hormuz is redefining global shipping
As conflict reshapes the Strait of Hormuz, markets are placing a premium on geopolitical certainty. The shift could redefine not only global shipping but the future of maritime governance, says US academic John Calabrese.
John Calabrese
21 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
Technology
From rule-taker to rule-maker: China’s AI challenge to US dominance
The China-US AI rivalry is no longer just about building the most powerful models. It is a contest to shape AI ecosystems, define global rules and gain influence over how the technology develops worldwide. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei reports.
Sim Tze Wei
20 Jul 2026
Politics
Not just about China: New Japan-India synergies
Japan’s approach to India used to be tinted by its relations with China, hence the phrase “hot politics, cool economics”. Not anymore, as Trump 2.0 policies and energy security worries now mean greater scope for working with India, says Japanese academic Toru Ito.
Toru Ito
20 Jul 2026
Politics
Ten years after the South China Sea ruling: Is China’s position better or worse?
The reality of the South China Sea is increasingly being shaped by Chinese power. This is the outcome that could matter more than 2016’s arbitral ruling and the countries rallying around it, says commentator Deng Yuwen.
Deng Yuwen
16 Jul 2026
Politics
A decade on, 14 nations reaffirm a South China Sea ruling China rejects
A 14-nation statement reaffirming the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling has drawn a sharp rebuke from Beijing, underscoring how the decade-old award remains a focal point of strategic rivalry even as a new dispute over the Batanes Islands emerges. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu speaks to academics for an analysis.
Liu Liu
13 Jul 2026