Involution

[Big read] The returnees: Inside China’s AI talent reversal

From Silicon Valley to Beijing and Shenzhen, a growing number of AI researchers are returning to China, reshaping careers, companies and the global balance of tech talent. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Sha examines this high-stakes return and what drives it.

Liu Sha

Xinjiang’s rising job market: A blessing and a burden?

In some sectors, Xinjiang has generally outpaced the national average, but such positive indicators may not align with the actual employment experiences for some groups, especially the minority groups. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with youths from Xinjiang to find out more.

Li Kang

China enters the 4% growth era: Stability over speed

Amid rising global uncertainty and frequent international trade frictions, the Chinese government’s lower national growth target reflects its emphasis on stability. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong observes that this eases the pressure on local governments but leaves international investors cautious.

Han Yong Hong

How involution turned China’s ride-hailing drivers into part-time mahjong pros

The ride-hailing industry in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with the influx of drivers following the pandemic. As a result, some drivers are driving only to get by, while spending the rest of the time on leisure activities such as mahjong. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei looks at the phenomenon of involution, and how it is spilling over to other countries.

Sim Tze Wei

From canteens to guesthouses: China unlocks idle state property

Across China, local government canteens, state guesthouses and more state-run facilities are opening up to the general public. Not only are these places well received by the people, the move also helps generate revenue for local governments and makes use of spaces that would otherwise be idle. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan finds out more.

Meng Dandan

Pig farming, livestreaming: Singaporeans find new opportunities in China

With a massive market and economic reforms and opening up, China has become a land of opportunity for Singaporean entrepreneurs. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yush Chau speaks with two that went off the beaten path — a pig farmer and an e-commerce livestream entrepreneur.

Yush Chau

Why China’s fashion boom is still searching for its heart

Runways are thriving, investors are watching — but many in China’s fashion world say what’s missing is something money can’t buy: authenticity, patience and soul. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to industry players to find out more.

Li Kang

Less goods, fewer shipments: China’s truck drivers first to feel the pulse of the economy

Chinese truck drivers are experiencing a significant downturn in their industry despite official reports of economic growth. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks with these struggling truck drivers to find out more.

Li Kang

Why are China’s store prices lower than online? The overcapacity puzzle

China’s overcapacity crisis is pushing physical store prices below online deals, reversing the usual trend. Rising e-commerce costs, fierce platform competition and logistics expenses have made in-store shopping a surprisingly cheaper option in cities like Chengdu. Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing takes a look at how China and the outside world are handling the overcapacity issue.

Chen Jing

How China’s Shandong is fighting involution to win back its youth [Eye on Shandong series]

With quality jobs, lower life-costs and transparent career paths, Shandong could turn its brain drain into a comeback story. The province’s future depends on whether staying becomes the smart career move — not just the sentimental one. Shandong economics professor Yan Song explains. 

Yan Song

Sunburnt: Why China’s solar success became its own worst enemy

China’s rapid rise as a solar powerhouse fuels global growth but exposes deep cracks — overcapacity, trade tensions and the limits of state-driven industrial policy, says EAI deputy director Chen Gang.

Chen Gang

[Vox pop] Can young people in China find jobs?

With graduation season just over, millions of young people in China are leaving campus life behind and bracing for what comes next. But competition is fierce, and finding a job is not easy. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming talks to some people from China to hear their thoughts.

Lu Lingming