Social Responsibility
Economy
Hooked on tobacco: Why China can’t quit despite decades of control
As public fights over smoking ignite fierce debate, China faces a deep structural dilemma: protecting public health without stubbing out a lucrative fiscal pillar. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out what keeps China hooked on smoking.
Liu Liu
25 May 2026
Society
Frozen for blue skies: Villagers endure winter without coal
China’s mandate to shift from coal to natural gas heating in Hebei has led to a dilemma where many rural villagers are unable to afford heating through the cold winter season. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yush Chau finds out what the authorities could do to mitigate the people’s hardships.
Yush Chau
21 Jan 2026
History
[Photos] From poverty to prosperity: A century of social transformation in Singapore
Although Singapore’s history has been extensively documented, the experiences of impoverished communities are often forgotten. In his new historical picture book, historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao looks at the process of nation building from the perspective of the poor, emphasising the spiritual and social forces that shaped Singapore’s transformation.
Hsu Chung-mao
05 Dec 2025
Society
[Big read] Tiny steps, big change: How everyday efforts are building an inclusive Guangzhou
Every week, volunteers like Feifei travel across Guangzhou to teach skills to visually impaired residents. These small acts — training, apps, accessible facilities — are just the beginning of building a truly inclusive society, with much more still to be done. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi reports.
Zeng Shi
18 Nov 2025
Society
The 25-centimetre gap separating China from a truly civilised society
The recent incident of Taiwanese singer Zheng Zhihua at Shenzhen Airport has brought to light the struggles of disabled people in China. Academic Zhang Tiankan believes that their voices must be heard and more needs to be done to ensure accessibility, only then can China call itself a civilised society.
Zhang Tiankan
17 Nov 2025
Society
[Big read] Prayers and packed bags: How China’s youth are navigating a jobless future
China’s young graduates, adrift in a tough job market, are seeking solace in youth hostels and spiritual practices like tarot and astrology. As employment pressures mount, can new social structures offer them purpose and belonging in an uncertain future? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Li Kang speaks to these hostel dwellers and academics to find out more about how young people are coping in a difficult environment.
Li Kang
03 Oct 2025
Politics
After Charlie Kirk: Why gun control remains America’s unsolvable crisis
The recent shooting of American conservative opinion leader Charlie Kirk shows once again that proposed gun control bills die in Congress, and society lapses into another waiting period for the next tragedy. Why is gun control in America so hard to manage? Commentator Deng Yuwen ponders the question.
Deng Yuwen
16 Sep 2025
Society
Turning Lu Xun into a smoking icon is a cruel irony
Amid the controversy surrounding a mural of Lu Xun smoking at the Shaoxing Lu Xun Memorial Hall, academic Zhang Tiankan asks: has anyone considered what Lu Xun — the leading figure of modern Chinese literature — would have wanted?
Zhang Tiankan
12 Sep 2025
Society
Lu Xun smoked — should his mural? China rethinks its icons
A complaint against a mural depicting Chinese literary giant Lu Xun smoking has sparked widespread debate on preserving the authenticity of historical fact, warts and all. Lianhe Zaobao China Desk takes a look at the uproar.
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
02 Sep 2025
Society
The deadly click: How online pesticide sales endanger rural Chinese women
In this age where everything is available to purchase online, how do we prevent people from getting easy access to lethal substances? Chinese academic Zhang Tiankan looks at the issue of regulations and enforcement in online purchases.
Zhang Tiankan
13 Feb 2025
