The drive in China to get more sperm donations have triggered concerns of a shortfall in supply and rising male infertility rates, but it also plays into the wider national anxiety over a population decline in the country.
Covid-19
Politics
Chinese ambassador to Singapore Sun Haiyan explains China’s stand on building global security, premised on its recent position papers on the Global Security Initiative and the Ukraine crisis.
Society
Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong shares her observations of a post-pandemic Beijing, noting the subtle differences in consumer habits and the people’s reluctance to talk about politics. How will China continue to change on its path of 'China-style modernisation'?
Economy
In 2023, a record of 11.58 million students in China are expected to graduate from higher education institutions. But the perennial struggle to find employment after graduation is especially dire this year. How will China's youths cope with the situation, and what measures have the Chinese government put in place to stabilise employment?
Economy
A comment by New Oriental’s founder Michael Yu Minhong has sparked online debate on the ideals of private entrepreneurs in China. However, amid the commotion, Yu actually has sound advice for the business community in navigating through tough times.
Economy
Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan looks into the current shortage of workers in various areas of China, especially in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector. Why is it so difficult to hire and retain workers, and what does this mean for the world’s factory and the global supply chain?
Economy
Data from the Chinese Ministry of Finance shows that revenue in the local general public budget dropped 2.1% to 10.9 trillion RMB in 2022. As massive tax relief, “zero-Covid” outlays, and a property market meltdown drained their coffers, China’s local governments struggled to balance revenue and spending last year. One state-backed think tank warns that the fiscal strain could continue to plague localities in 2023.
Economy
After three years of stringent Covid-19 measures, Shanghai is on its road to economic recovery. While the impact of the pandemic was severe, Shanghai officials are making efforts to bring back and reassure foreign enterprises of a conducive business environment. Zaobao correspondent Chen Jing looks at the steps taken by the officials and how effective they are.
Economy
In 2022, Chongqing became China’s fourth largest city in terms of GDP, surpassing Guangzhou, which it had lagged behind despite boasting a bigger population and land mass. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Edwin Ong notes that Chongqing has leveraged its booming industrial sector to boost its economic growth over the past few years, but is this enough to sustain its stellar performance?