Yu Zeyuan

Beijing Correspondent and Senior Researcher, Lianhe Zaobao

Yu Zeyuan (real name Yu Haisheng) started in 1993 as a journalist and editor with Xinhua's foreign news desk, then joined the University of Hawaii as a visiting academic from 1996 to 1997. Since 2000, he has been Lianhe Zaobao's Beijing correspondent and senior researcher.

Wang Yi (left), director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Qin Gang, China's new foreign minister. (CNS)

China’s new team of diplomats set the agenda for 2023

China’s new diplomatic team is now in place with director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Qin Gang at the helm, says Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan. How will China make its mark in the international arena in the new year?
People walk on a street during morning rush hour in Wuchang district, after the government gradually loosened the restrictions on Covid-19 control, in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, 9 December 2022. (Martin Pollard/Reuters)

China’s economy to recover next year

Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at China’s declining economy and the factors leading up to it, including the strict Covid controls over the past three years. However, following the recent annual Central Economic Work Conference, there may be signs that the authorities are looking to adjust their approach and help the economy to recover.
People wearing face masks amid the Covid-19 pandemic walk along a street in Beijing, China, on 11 December 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP)

Is China ill-prepared for a surge in Covid cases?

With the sudden easing of anti-epidemic rules and Beijing’s latest surge in Covid-19 cases, people have been caught out by insufficient medication and are swarming to pharmacies and hospitals. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan gives a peek into the situation on the ground.
In this file photo taken on 19 October 1992, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Jiang Zemin applauds in Beijing during a press unveiling to introduce new members to the standing committee of the poliburo. (Mike Fiala/AFP)

Jiang Zemin who deepened China's reform and opening up dies at age 96

Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan presents the life and achievements of Jiang Zemin, following his passing at the age of 96. While he was seen as not having enough heft on his own when he first began as CCP general secretary, he had chalked up various achievements by the end of his tenure and graceful exit.
A health worker takes a swab sample from a woman at a residential area under lockdown due to Covid-19 coronavirus restrictions in Beijing on 25 November 2022. (Noel Celis/AFP)

This has to be the end of lockdowns in China

While the rest of the world has moved on from strict Covid measures, China is continuing its dynamic zero-Covid policy and local governments are sticking to what they know best — lockdowns. But this mode of control is looking increasingly untenable on the back of increasing protests. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at how the CCP can respond.
Barriers surround a neighborhood placed under lockdown due to Covid-19 in Shenzhen, China, on 19 November 2022. (Qilai Shen/Bloomberg)

Two steps forward, three steps back: Lockdowns in China still prevalent

Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at how Covid controls have changed — or not — in various places in China following the announcement of the new 20 measures to ease Covid controls. Going by the measures implemented, it seems that lockdowns and testing seem to still be the default in curbing Covid in China.
Residents at a Covid-19 testing booth in Beijing, China, on 14 November 2022. A surge in Covid cases threatens to turn into an early test of China’s resolve to ease some of its strict virus controls, after health officials on the weekend said the changes were a refinement, not a relaxation, of the rules. (Bloomberg)

China eases pandemic rules but people are worried

On 11 November, China eased pandemic rules with the announcement of 20 new measures. While this signals that the Chinese government is ready to open up to alleviate pressures on its market and economy, many Chinese citizens are worried that the pandemic will wreak havoc in the country.
People attend a media tour ahead of Airshow China 2022 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China, 6 November 2022. (CNS)

China’s latest military drones on display at Zhuhai Airshow

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force is showcasing its air combat capabilities during the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, with static displays and aerial demonstrations for its advanced military drones, fighter jets and other military weapons and equipment. From boasting of a fully China-made fighter jet, to its home-designed drones, the developments in China’s air combat power shows the impact of the geopolitical situation on the military industry.
Workers work at a construction site, following the Covid-19 outbreak, in Shanghai, China, 14 October 2022. (Aly Song/Reuters)

CCP new leadership team's big task: Build market confidence amid zero-Covid

Now that the new Politburo Standing Committee has been appointed after the 20th Party Congress, it faces the biggest challenge of ensuring economic growth amid the repeated pandemic outbreaks. How long can the Chinese Communist Party maintain its zero-Covid policy before public frustration boils over?