Chinese youths are “lying flat” to protest against the high-pressure life of involution (meaningless intense competition), and now academic Chu Yin has told the middle-aged group that it's alright to be a “good-for-nothing”. While Chu’s comments have drawn public criticism, the truth remains that much of China’s society are fed up with the stress and competition they face, and yearn to have a simple and peaceful life. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu tells us more.

Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu looks at the first press conference by new Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and notes how he has defined the role of the new government as an "implementation team", which will faithfully uphold the authority of the CCP Central Committee and implement the plans of the 20th Party Congress.

No longer are Chinese officials mincing their words when it comes to the rivalry between the two countries. The recent press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang showed as much, as he directly criticised US actions to contain and suppress China. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu takes us through the current state of China-US relations.

Even as China and the US continue to bicker over the Chinese balloon that was shot down after entering US airspace, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi’s visit to Europe is on track, including his attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany and a possible meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Zaobao’s correspondent Yang Danxu looks at whether this trip could finally turn the page on the matter and refocus US-China priorities.

US-China tensions have heightened in the aftermath of the Chinese balloon incident. The Republicans are seizing the opportunity to criticise the Biden administration over the threat to national security, while China accuses the US of overreacting and violating the spirit of international law and international practice. Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu notes that if the situation is not managed properly, the strained relations could have an impact on other issues, such as the South China Sea.

With rumblings of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy possibly visiting Taiwan in spring, Yang Danxu observes that this will not be the last we see of the “Taiwan card” being played by US politicians as they move into the second half of the current US presidency.

China has announced the long-awaited transition from zero Covid to opening up, as inbound travel measures ease and mandatory quarantines are removed. However, the process will not be easy as medical resources are short and vaccination rates among the elderly are still low. Will China be able to handle the internal and external pressures of what is to follow after opening up? Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu tells us more.

Following the protests against harsh Covid measures, China seems to be going from strict lockdowns to opening up and relaxing controls almost overnight. While the health system is under strain and nerves are wrecked, the Chinese people have shown that they are quite capable of adapting to change, especially if large cities like Beijing lead the way.

Zaobao correspondent Yang Danxu takes a look at China’s ailing property market and the various measures taken by property companies and the authorities to boost sales and ensure that homes are completed and handed over to buyers. While the intention is good, will they work under the current Covid-19 situation?