Regulations

Two men riding an electric scooter smoke cigarette as they wait to cross a street in Beijing, China, on 12 May 2023. (Wang Zhao/AFP)

China’s tobacco monopoly is swept up in corruption probes

Nearly 20 senior executives and officials from the government-controlled China National Tobacco Corporation (China Tobacco) and the regulator, State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, have been caught up in the anti-graft investigation since 2021. Huge profits and the vertical management structure have made the tobacco industry a breeding ground for corruption.
A residential building in Changsha collapsed, with 54 dead and nine injured. (Internet)

No running away: China's officials to bear 'lifelong accountability' for past mistakes

Following a residential building collapse in Hunan last year, several officials have been investigated, including Chongqing mayor Hu Henghua, who left Hunan 18 months ago. Does this mean that officials are now held accountable for incidents from their previous posts, and also for life? What does this say about China's current political climate?
A staff member attends to visitors at a kettle retailer at the China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China, 16 April 2023. (Ellen Zhang/Reuters)

Local governments' tussles for investments chided by Chinese state media

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.
Clothes are displayed on hangers at a Chinese fashion brand Shein pop-up store in Paris, France, on 4 May 2023. (Christophe Archambault/AFP)

Chinese fast fashion platforms could be next US target

Although Chinese fast fashion platforms such as Shein and Temu are gaining pace in the US, they could be the target of stringent US regulations over a variety of concerns such as personal data risks and trade loopholes.
Xu Zaozao speaks to the media before a second hearing of her case suing a Beijing hospital for refusing to freeze her eggs on the basis that she is unmarried, at the No. 3 Intermediate People's Court in Beijing, China, on 9 May 2023. (Jade Gao/AFP)

A woman's right to freeze her eggs: Chinese society debates

As China faces a dire population crisis of ageing population and declining birth rates, public discussion on female reproductive rights have gained attention. Assisted reproductive technologies such as egg freezing has become a sought-after option for women looking to delay child bearing, but it remains a contentious issue in China. Lianhe Zaobao's China Desk tells us more.
Paramilitary police officers stand guard south of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on 5 March 2023. (Greg Baker/AFP)

China wielding long-arm jurisdiction of its own

Taiwanese commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that China seems to be using long-arm jurisdiction to curtail overseas critics, activists and publishers. This has far-reaching consequences, not least in officially annexing Taiwan through legal precedent.
A woman talks on a phone under surveillance cameras on a riverside in Shanghai, China, 7 March 2023. (Aly Song/Reuters)

Could Beijing's anti-spy campaign dampen its reopening efforts?

A recent raid by Chinese authorities on a Chinese consultancy firm relating to national security sends a signal to the entire industry to be more aware of national security issues, and to take necessary measures to prevent possible espionage. But could the revised anti-espionage law and focus on national security issues become a convenient excuse for serving Beijing’s needs, such as its diplomatic needs and so on?
People cross a road in Hong Kong, China, 15 February 2023. (SPH Media)

Hong Kong’s talent attraction strategy facing controversies and challenges

Amid the significant labour shortage Hong Kong is facing due to a massive emigration wave, officials have introduced a number of measures to attract talent back to the city. However, the application loopholes and homogenous background of the applicants leave the locals questioning the measures’ effectiveness in boosting the workforce. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing tells us more.
Livestream recruitment hosts on various livestream recruitment channels. (Internet)

China experiments with livestream recruitment to fill job vacancies after Covid-19

Chinese companies have gotten creative in their recruitment process since the Covid-19 pandemic eased. Companies can now hit a bigger pool of talent at low cost by livestreaming job vacancies, while job seekers, especially blue-collar workers, can easily send in their resumes at a click of a button. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi looks at how the job market is changing due to this innovative channel.