Nationalism
Society
Why some in China want English out of the classroom
A social media influencer’s call to strip English of its core-subject status in China’s national exams has highlighted a growing tension between nationalistic rhetoric, real-world pragmatism and the need for structural educational reform. Lianhe Zaobao’s China news correspondent Lim Zhan Ting finds out more.
Lim Zhan Ting
08 Sep 2026
Society
How an American influencer exposed China’s ‘crotch nationalism’
The scandal surrounding an American influencer in China has exposed how quickly pro-China digital personas can turn sour, leaving female victims caught in a crossfire of nationalist judgment. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu dives into the matter.
Liu Liu
26 Aug 2026
Society
Why Beijing shelved its Taiwan war blockbuster
A lavish war epic about the Qing conquest of Taiwan was meant to be China’s next blockbuster. Instead, it vanished twice, raising questions about Beijing’s evolving Taiwan narrative and political messaging. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong explains.
Han Yong Hong
30 Jul 2026
Politics
Fukuyama: A superpower at war with itself
Political scientist Francis Fukuyama tells Lianhe Zaobao video producer Audrey Jiajia Li that America on its 250th anniversary is divided and polarised as never before, but there is still hope if it can believe in itself again.
Audrey Jiajia Li
13 Jul 2026
Politics
Why Chinese hawks cheer Takaichi's win
Takaichi’s landslide win and Japan’s hardline turn are not just Tokyo’s story. In Beijing, it gives hardliners moral cover, reframes tension as destiny and turns miscalculation into a dangerous new logic for East Asia. Commentator Deng Yuwen analyses the situation.
Deng Yuwen
19 Feb 2026
Politics
Takaichi may make history — but can she shape it?
With Sanae Takaichi possibly becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, what domestic and international challenges might lie ahead? Researcher John Lim Chuan-Tiong explores what not only she — but any Japanese leader — will need to navigate in foreign policy, while carefully managing domestic reactions.
John Lim Chuan-Tiong
14 Oct 2025
Technology
How Qi Faren helped launch China into space — and why it still matters
Qi Faren, chief designer of China’s Shenzhou 5, shared his lifelong dedication to China’s aerospace journey — from early missile development to manned spaceflight — with Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, in 2004. In the interview collected in Lee’s new book,《思索的长度》(A Long Thought), Qi reflected on patriotism, self-reliance and the spirit that has driven China’s space program through adversity — values that continue to underpin the country’s pursuit of technological advancement today.
Lee Huay Leng
22 Aug 2025
Politics
China’s possible role in Cambodia-Thailand border dispute
As relations between Cambodia and Thailand remain tense following a border incident along their disputed border, Cambodian researcher Sokvy Rim weighs up the key factors and considers China as a possible mediator if the situation worsens.
Sokvy Rim
18 Jun 2025
Society
[Video] Trade war, meme war: How the internet is fighting US-China tensions
As US-China tensions mount, Chinese netizens are responding with humour, satire and AI. But offline, the economic situation is no laughing matter. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina looks at how Chinese society is reacting to an increasingly uncertain global order.
Yi Jina
02 May 2025
Society
From toilet brushes to memes: China’s creative backlash against Trump’s tariffs
From creating memes and satirical art to buying Trump toilet brushes, Chinese netizens are expressing their displeasure with US President Donald Trump’s latest reciprocal tariffs in ingenious and humorous ways. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk finds out more.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
17 Apr 2025