Nationalism
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
History
China’s battle for the narrative on Qing history: A matter of national rejuvenation
Despite several attempts to compile Qing History (《清史》), efforts by Chinese historians continue to see setbacks, with China’s ideological security on the line. Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at the controversy surrounding this mammoth task.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
10 Apr 2025
Cartoon
ThinkCartoon (30 September)
Heng Kim Song has been the freelance editorial cartoonist for Lianhe Zaobao since 1984. His cartoons are also featured in many major international publications including The New York Times, Asahi Shimbun, JoongAng Ilbo, South China Morning Post and Yazhou Zhoukan. His many awards include the Top Award in United Nations ESCAP’s Cartoon Competition and the Grafica Internazionale Award presented by Italian Museum of Political Satire and Caricature. Heng has also participated in many international exhibitions and events, including the World Economic Forum Annual Meetings held in Davos, Switzerland.
Heng Kim Song
30 Sep 2024
Technology
Huawei Mate XT vs iPhone 16: Why Huawei is leading in China
Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chen Jing takes a look at how Huawei and Apple are releasing new phones on the same day, and how — despite being ahead in terms of publicity — Huawei is still slightly behind when it comes to functionality, especially outside of China.
Chen Jing
16 Sep 2024
