A record number of foreign students are choosing to study Mandarin in Taiwan, breaking pre-pandemic records. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong looks at the appeal of Taiwan as a Mandarin-learning hub and the impact on its international standing.
China-US relations
History
In the second of a two-part feature, historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao looks at issues with democracy and freedom in China and the US, noting that neither is superior to the other but a product of their respective histories.
Technology
Technology expert Yin Ruizhi takes us through the latest development in generative AI technology: Sora, OpenAI’s new video creation software. How will this change the landscape, and how far will China fall behind in the AI race?
Technology
Amid China-US competition, one area of interest is the commercial aerospace industry, where China is preparing to develop its own capabilities. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Wong Siew Fong explores the issue.
Politics
US academic Zhu Zhiqun observes that the ambiguity and grey areas created through tacit understanding among Beijing, Taipei and Washington have long helped sustain the Taiwan Strait peace and prosperity. Once these grey areas fall apart, the fragile stability in the Taiwan Strait could be broken, leading to crises.
Politics
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that the US’s latest moves against TikTok are getting a response from TikTok as well as its users. Will TikTok survive the latest onslaught and will the Chinese government back the company?
Politics
Cambodian research fellow Bunly Ek observes that China continues to play a wait-and-see approach on forming a trio with Russia and North Korea. China is well aware that it can achieve its objectives by staying close with each of the countries bilaterally, and a high-profile trio would only put itself in the firing range of the West and its other neighbours.
Politics
Many in the Chinese world have unquestionably accepted the idea that friendly relations with the US will guarantee a country’s prosperity. However, academic Jianyong Yue notes that despite the honeymoon period between China and the US in the 1980s, China was still not endowed preferential treatment. Meanwhile, many countries have seen immense development even without the help of the US.
Politics
Commentator Jin Jian Guo notes that among those running to be the next US president, former President Donald Trump is China’s least favoured to enter the White House, as he is likely to bring back the harsh measures he imposed against China during his previous term.