Scientific Mindset
Technology
[Video] Why China’s thorium breakthrough is a win for China’s energy security
Thorium is now emerging as a potential game changer for China’s nuclear energy advancement and energy security, after the country’s world-first breakthrough of converting thorium into uranium fuel in a molten salt reactor. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina explains.
Yi Jina
26 Dec 2025
Technology
China’s thorium breakthrough could power ships for ten years on a single charge
China’s recent breakthrough in converting thorium to uranium could potentially free it from reliance on imported uranium. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the advantages of thorium as a nuclear fuel and how it could change China’s position in the global energy landscape.
Yu Zeyuan
03 Nov 2025
Society
From Qin Shi Huang to Putin: The dangerous dream of immortality
Throughout history, emperors and dictators have sought immortality. It is no different today as the powerful and wealthy continue to search for ways to live longer, albeit with modern science. Academic Zhang Tiankan says that despite the extreme lengths these people go through, turning back time is just a pipe dream.
Zhang Tiankan
19 Sep 2025
Society
Controversial mind-body therapy attracts over 1 million Chinese seeking miraculous cures
Ajitai Health Group’s Mongolian mind-body interactive (MBI) therapy is captivating over a million Chinese with promises of miraculous cures. This controversial programme, blending modern psychology with traditional medicine, stirs debate between faith and science. While patients flock to its sessions for hope, critics warn of the dangers of its unverified claims.
Caixin Global
18 Jul 2025
Society
Lack of standards a challenge to China’s food safety
Chinese academic Zhang Tiankan notes that while China’s food safety has undergone changes and improvements, some problems still exist. For example, the lack of scientific standards for certain foods consumed by the people, putting nutrition and hygiene at risk. What can China do to improve this public health issue?
Zhang Tiankan
09 May 2024
Politics
Japanese academic: China's strong views about Fukushima water will affect Japan-China relations
Propaganda campaigns against Japan may leave China turning a deaf ear to Japan's explanations about the discharge of Fukushima treated water, says Japanese academic Shin Kawashima. This can only have dire consequences for Japan-China relations.
Shin Kawashima
30 Aug 2023
Society
Are the Chinese facing a crisis of confidence in the government?
As the Chinese authorities ease Covid-19 controls and infections increase, hearsays about symptoms, treatments and folk remedies are widespread. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing looks at why people fall for these baseless rumours and remain wary of the government's responses.
Chen Jing
05 Jan 2023
Society
From zero-Covid to living with the virus: Chinese society's adaptability put to the test
Following the protests against harsh Covid measures, China seems to be going from strict lockdowns to opening up and relaxing controls almost overnight. While the health system is under strain and nerves are wrecked, the Chinese people have shown that they are quite capable of adapting to change, especially if large cities like Beijing lead the way.
Yang Danxu
14 Dec 2022
Society
China's reopening will not lead to a million deaths
Chinese academic Zhang Tiankan explains why some estimates that China's reopening without safeguards could result in 1.5 million to 2 million deaths is improbable if one looks at the facts. Such predictions could cause public alarm and mislead policy making.
Zhang Tiankan
14 Dec 2022
Society
What can we expect now that China's 'zero-Covid' is no more
After an almost three-year-long hyper-restrictive "zero-Covid" policy, the Chinese government seems to have finally relented. But for China to comprehensively revamp its Covid-19 control regime and fully reopen, some daunting challenges remain.
Caixin Global
09 Dec 2022