Labelled a “criminal and lie-fabricator” by Chinese officials, detained Causeway Bay bookseller Gui Minhai was awarded Svenska PEN’s Tucholsky Prize last week. The prize presentation renews controversy over freedom and democracy in China and casts a pall on China-Sweden relations.

With 200,000 RMB (approximately S$40,000) at stake, two academics wager on the prospect of China’s economy surpassing the US’ in 20 years.

On the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, we present a series of interviews with five ordinary people of China as they reveal their extraordinary lives. As an opener, we begin by taking a look at developments in China under its five leaders.

The recent protests in Hong Kong have gained its share of supporters and detractors, and sentiments have spilled over to impact businesses, for better or worse.