Chinese venture capital funds are flocking to Southeast Asia in search of the next Alibaba and ByteDance. However, given the market’s nascent stage, along with the Chinese funds’ preference for Chinese-affiliated enterprises, options are limited. Liu Sha looks into the challenges these Chinese funds face in finding success in Southeast Asia.
Covid-19
Politics
Last seen publicly on 25 June, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has fuelled plenty of chatter due to his weeks-long absence from diplomatic activities. From health reasons to alien abduction, the rumour mill is in overdrive. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu looks into the possible explanations and their implications.
Economy
Since the relaxation of anti-epidemic measures in China, officials have been ramping up efforts to promote tourism in Tibet. However, the dilemma between cultural preservation and developing the tourism industry, and that between security and economic development, are issues that could curb the autonomous region’s opening up to tourists. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong shares findings from her media visit to Lhasa and Shannan.
Economy
While Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu have been doing well in achieving fast and high growth in the US market, they face commercial and regulatory challenges too and would need to undertake several risk mitigation strategies.
Society
With China resuming outbound travel, Chinese tourists are on the move again. And with the wave of people, comes the resurgence of “zero-fare” tour groups — particularly in Thailand — that promise low-budget options. However, tourists are only brought to specific spots to spend money, which eventually goes back to Chinese operators without benefiting the local economy.
Society
Chinese restaurant chains from China have been making their presence felt in Singapore, satisfying fickle tastebuds with street food favourites and regional specialities. Will the increasing number of these restaurant chains affect the local food culture? Jiang Yuxuan shares the findings of a Zaobao study of 12 Chinese restaurant chains from China.
Economy
Since the pandemic has subsided, local Chinese governments have been sending trade delegations out in full force to attract investments in a bid to revive the economy. However, this strategy is now deemed as flawed and short-sighted, as the local governments are not seeing the gains they are hoping for. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Yang looks into how going all-out to attract investments is doing more harm than good.
Economy
Almost all countries have been suffering the impacts of the pandemic since 2020, but China was hit by the pandemic first and had implemented the longest and strictest anti-Covid policy. China could suffer a worse "scarring effect" as a result, both on the societal and economic levels. China is desperate for solutions to get out of this situation.
Economy
Local governments are teetering dangerously close to bankruptcy, going by the amount of debt that they have racked up. While their financial troubles are likely to ease with the China’s post-Covid economic recovery, the central government is still expected to step in to prevent regional economies from toppling like a house of cards. But will certain forms of intervention do more harm than good?