Involution
Society
Are Chinese universities abolishing the ‘iron rice bowl’?
Tongji University’s decision to replace faculty tenure with three-yearly assessments effectively ends the traditional “iron rice bowl” concept for university lecturers. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing explores the issue.
Chen Jing
20 Aug 2026
Economy
China’s beverage king Zhong Shanshan: E-commerce is killing ‘real’ commerce
Nongfu Spring founder Zhong Shanshan’s attack on platform dominance has reignited a bigger debate: have e-commerce platforms become too powerful, and who ultimately pays the price? Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu examines the issue.
Yang Danxu
12 Aug 2026
Economy
The durian express: How Southeast Asia flooded China’s market
A flood of Southeast Asian durians has sent prices tumbling in China, making the once-costly fruit affordable for many. But what is driving the drop, and can it be sustained? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out.
Liu Liu
13 Jul 2026
Economy
From caviar to foie gras: China’s next export shock
From caviar to foie gras, Chinese producers are entering markets long tied to European prestige. As these brands expand overseas, Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu explores what their success reveals about China’s growing influence in global markets.
Yang Danxu
30 Jun 2026
Technology
[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
26 May 2026
Economy
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
01 Apr 2026
Economy
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
06 Mar 2026
Society
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
27 Feb 2026
Society
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
09 Feb 2026
Economy
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
31 Dec 2025
Society
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
12 Nov 2025