Social media

Nepal’s recent ban on TikTok was a result of both societal and political concerns, says Indian academic Rishi Gupta. In the aftermath, will there be ripple effects on Nepal's relations with China?

Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing recaps this year’s Halloween parade in Shanghai, which saw young people expressing their thoughts on current affairs through their costumes. Will Halloween celebrations be as boisterous next year?

In China's anti-corruption efforts, one group of unlikely "allies" has emerged — the descendants of Chinese officials. These young people flaunt their family's wealth on social media, often prompting investigations that usually uncover confirmed corruption. But while this self-sabotage does work, systemic efforts are what is needed.

Just because Taiwan’s press freedom ranks among the world’s best, it does not mean that there is freedom of speech that allows one to spout whatever one wishes. Nor does it mean that Taiwan’s news would be trustworthy, fair and objective, says former member of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, Tsai Pi-ru. She compares the situations between Taiwan and Singapore and wonders what would be ideal.

A photo on Apple’s customer service webpage sparked controversy in China by featuring a person with “stereotypical” Chinese looks, with slit eyes and a long braid, coming under fire for “uglifying” Chinese people. While aesthetic preferences do differ, is there something deeper under the criticism of a stranger’s looks?

A livestreamer’s comments over the cost of an eyebrow pencil recently brewed a public opinion storm in China. While the incident may be stirred by the livestreamer’s insensitive comments, it speaks to the public’s deeper discontent with the grim economic outlook and employment prospects. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing tells us more.

A short video series featuring Chinese artefacts in the British Museum has gone viral on social media in China, with viewers being moved by the story of a teapot trying to go home to China. But even as critics highlight the heavy sentiment and patriotism in the series, it has prompted calls by China and other countries for the British Museum to return artefacts to their rightful owners.

Tencent is pushing hard into the crowded social video market through its three-and-a-half-year-old Channels platform, a function embedded in WeChat. It has hopes of deriving associated revenue from livestreamed e-commerce. But how will this platform compare to frontrunners in the field such as Douyin and Kuaishou?

While the ruling system in China, carried over from ancient history, has the features of power combined with moral authority, recent events show that change is happening in Chinese politics. With netizens increasingly challenging the central authority openly, refuting official views and commentaries, will there be greater adjustments to Chinese state-society relations?