Recently, there has been an uproar in China over illustrations in school textbooks, with comments that the characters drawn are “ugly”, with some depicted in suggestive poses and wearing questionable designs on clothing. Is this merely a question of aesthetics, or does the problem go deeper? Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks into the issue.

Even as the Chinese authorities continue to battle the spread of Covid-19, one thing is bugging people: why does it seem like nobody cares about the economy? China’s latest economic figures do not look good, and the protracted lockdown in Shanghai and semi-lockdowns in Beijing are not helping people’s livelihoods. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan examines the cost of zero-Covid.

The swift way that districts and communities were shut down in Shanghai and Beijing is a reminder that the authorities will not hesitate to take drastic steps to stamp out Covid-19, whatever the human cost. Not only that, the end may not be in sight even by the summer of next year.

China’s dynamic zero-Covid policy has come at a heavy toll on the economy and people’s livelihoods. However, the Chinese authorities believe that economic growth is still possible amid the strict anti-epidemic measures. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks into the Chinese government’s strategy to have the best of both worlds.

As the elections for delegates to the five-yearly 20th Party Congress enters its last phase, Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes stock of impacts that the grim pandemic situation in Shanghai may bring, as well as the changes to delegate composition and safeguards against identity fraud that the authorities have put in place.

Recent signs point to China’s third aircraft carrier being ready to launch very soon, with more advanced technology such as an electromagnetic catapult launch system. Amid growing international pressure, China cannot afford to slacken in terms of defence, and its latest moves to beef up its navy are an effort to show that it is taking defence seriously. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan breaks down what we can expect from China’s growing naval power.

Even as Shanghai aims to reach “social zero Covid” in the coming days, it has moved to resume key manufacturing industries and businesses. Undoubtedly, notes Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan, the authorities are well aware that Shanghai is China’s economic and political nerve centre and that any disruption could easily spell trouble.

A trip to Taiwan by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was postponed as she tested positive for Covid-19. Nonetheless, Beijing made the expected protests and the issue is still not over as the visit might be revived in the future. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan analyses US motives for the proposed visit and how China should appropriately respond to US politicians stirring the pot.

Online discourse on China’s position in the Russia-Ukraine war is heating up this week as Western and Ukrainian officials criticise China’s ambiguous stance. Meanwhile, the West continues to put pressure on China to declare which side it is on despite Chinese officials’ strong rhetoric that it will judge the matter without external coercion and that the US and NATO should “shoulder their due responsibilities”. Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan discusses how China is justifying its stance of not taking sides.