China accuses Japan of rising nuclear ambitions under its right-leaning government
Beijing's export bans and criticism of Japan's nuclear ambitions signal a coordinated pushback using economic and narrative tools.
Michelle Ng
What China’s most famous ‘gaokao factory’ reveals about the limits of its exam-driven education model
The model, symbolising China's exam pressures, faces criticism for its ultra-strict routines and potential psychological toll on students.
‘Has Kuaishou gone mad?’: Cyberattack floods Chinese video platform with explicit content
Many users reported being suddenly exposed to a flood of disturbing, violent and pornographic live-streaming content.
As cultural confidence grows, Chinese brands highlight China’s heritage in storytelling
Rather than leaning on Western landmarks to signal modernity and global relevance, more Chinese companies now increasingly centre China’s own landscapes, aesthetics and cultural…
Xi, Putin and Modi huddle in Tianjin as China pitches SCO unity against shifting US order
Despite the display of unity, India did not endorse China's Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting ongoing structural issues, while President Putin touted the SCO as an…
China’s SCO summit and military parade project unity – and rivalry with the West
All eyes will be on how China uses the back-to-back high-key events to pitch a multipolar, less US-centric international order while notching diplomatic wins to add to its great…
‘There is no shame’: Divorce less of a taboo for women in China as attitudes shift
Divorce is no longer whispered with disapproval and more women now speak openly about their break-ups, reframing them as fresh starts.
Dalai Lama says only his organisation can name his successor; Beijing pushes back
Many observers widely expect China to name its rival successor to the Dalai Lama post, as a Beijing-backed leader would help legitimise its rule in Tibet, which has long resisted…
Once a status symbol, Starbucks cuts prices on its tea-based drinks to woo Chinese consumers
About a dozen of its non-coffee drinks, which include Frappuccinos, iced shaken teas and tea lattes, now cost as little as 23 yuan (S$4.10) each after an average 5 yuan discount,…
China could gain diplomatic leverage as Trump-Zelensky clash highlights US volatility
In areas where China and its neighbours may previously have conflicts of interest, there is now an “increasing accumulation of conditions” to promote dialogue and ease…