Transport

Huawei’s ‘brake-gate’: Is patriotism drowning out rational debate in China?

When Huawei’s luxury EV failed a third-party safety test, a technical flaw spiralled into nationalistic fervor. Can Chinese public discourse mature to separate corporate accountability from patriotic sentiment? Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu gives her take on the issue.

Yang Danxu

14 Oct 2026

Five minutes to Shenzhen: Can Hong Kong win back its shoppers?

The new Huanggang Port makes border crossings between Shenzhen and Hong Kong easier than ever. But can Hong Kong businesses turn greater connectivity into an opportunity rather than a threat? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing finds out.

Tai Hing Shing

12 Oct 2026

FAW-GAC deal tests a new path for China’s auto consolidation

A major consolidation centered on Toyota’s joint ventures is taking shape between state-owned carmakers FAW and GAC. Driven by shrinking sales and fierce EV competition, could this strategic deal alter China’s auto landscape?

Caixin Global

09 Oct 2026

The road north: From Cambodia’s farms to China

Existing infrastructure is converging into an emerging Cambodia-Laos-China agricultural corridor, bringing farmers into regional trade, observes researcher David Okoronkwo, after weeks of field study in Kratie, northeastern Cambodia.

David Okoronkwo

30 Sep 2026

China’s autonomous driving race shifts from hype to high stakes

China is ending the Wild West ambiguity of its smart electric vehicles sector. Tough new rules for assisted and autonomous driving will expose weak systems, raise costs and force automakers into a high-stakes race for safer, smarter self-driving.

Caixin Global

04 Sep 2026

Ice Silk Road: Russia breaks ice, China builds the market

China and Russia could be the linchpin of the Ice Silk Road, leveraging the Northern Sea Route. With them as the anchor and middle powers providing functional support, the Arctic route just gained more geoeconomic appeal, says academic Hao Nan.

Hao Nan

31 Aug 2026

Why China’s land routes may fail in a Taiwan crisis

China has built overland routes to reduce its reliance on vulnerable sea lanes. But lessons from Ukraine and Iran suggest cheap drones and long-range strikes could leave those lifelines exposed in a Taiwan crisis, says Italian commentator Emanuele Scimia.

Emanuele Scimia

31 Jul 2026

[Big read] Shopping over politics: How Chinese goods are winning over South Koreans 

South Koreans youths are embracing Chinese brands — from bubble tea and electric cars to robot vacuums — separating politics from life products. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Kang Gwiyoung finds out why and if this could lead to improved China-South Korea relations.

Kang Gwiyoung

27 Jul 2026

Why does Beijing want North Korea’s Tumen River?

Beijing’s latest rapprochement with Pyongyang reflects a calculated exchange of economic assistance, security coordination and geopolitical interests, with the long-blocked Tumen River sea route emerging as a potential strategic payoff. Journalist Kang Gwiyoung explains.

Kang Gwiyoung

21 Jul 2026

How Mercedes, BMW and Audi hope to win back China

China’s EV boom has disrupted Mercedes, BMW and Audi’s dominance in China, forcing them into a radical reset. As Chinese rivals accelerate, will the German trio abandon decades of engineering tradition to match the speed of China’s auto market?

Caixin Global

17 Jul 2026

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

High quality, high anxiety: Southeast Asia’s BRI paradox

An online survey by ISEAS on perceptions of Chinese-built infrastructure in Southeast Asia reflects both the tangible benefits of these projects and broader considerations shaping regional views of China as an infrastructure development partner. ISEAS academics Eugene RL Tan and Hoang Thi Ha explain.

Eugene RL Tan, Hoang Thi Ha

22 Jun 2026