How the EU is trapped in a status quo that rewards China

A slew of arms procurement deals in Southeast Asia has raised eyebrows on whether the region is engaged in an arms race. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Claudia Liao finds out from academics that these military upgrades may have more to do with prestige than capability.

The familiar Minnan saying that harmony brings prosperity, is given a distinctly modern take in Xiamen’s Bailu Score (白鹭分), or “White Egret Score”. This is a personal credit score developed under the Xiamen municipal government which turns trust into usable currency in daily urban life. Economics professor Cai Xiqian explains.

The Iran war has sharpened Pyongyang’s sense of insecurity and bolstered its nuclear programme. Beyond weapons, any US strike risks confrontation with China and Russia and the prospect of global escalation. Journalist Kang Gwiyoung reports from South Korea.

Attempts to target Iran’s leadership have backfired. Tehran has hardened, while Russia and China are gaining influence. The US and Gulf Cooperation Council states face strategic setbacks, as regional instability persists. Chinese academic Fan Hongda shares his views.

For many years, Fujian’s development narrative included an ambitious goal: to surpass Taiwan in GDP first and per capita income later. Slower growth and Taiwan’s tech edge make that increasingly challenging. EAI senior research fellow Bo Chen explains Fujian’s rise and its challenges.

China’s military capabilities are back in the spotlight, as the US reports on the PLA Navy’s growing submarine fleet, and observers take notice of signals of the launch of new submarine types and strategic bombers. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the recent developments that have caught the world’s attention.

War in Iran has put US-China diplomacy on hold, highlighting Washington’s divided focus and Beijing’s cautious balancing act between Tehran, Gulf partners and its long-term ties with America. Joseph Chinyong Liow, Wang Gungwu Professor in East Asian Affairs and Dean, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, shares his insights.

Fujian merchants have long been known for their adventurous mercantile spirit, leading to many success stories in business over the course of history and today. Academic Lin Feng takes a look at how this all began and how their distinct characteristics have shaped what we see of Fujian communities today.

China’s AI sector is booming, with top salaries reaching millions of RMB, yet companies still struggle to fill roles. Lianhe Zaobao’s Liu Liu examines how firms are wooing talent and whether universities can keep pace.

Despite the nationwide frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw, fuelled by strong public enthusiasm and support from local governments, the central Chinese government was quick to issue warnings about security risks. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Chen Jing takes a look at the craze that came and went.

In the longer term, the Iran war presents not just threats but also opportunities for China’s economy, such as by correcting deflationary pressure domestically and being viewed as a better bet in global supply chains and investment. Academic Gu Qingyang gives his analysis.

Amid global uncertainty, rising inflation and weak consumer confidence, gold has once again come into favour as a safe-haven asset, echoing its role in times of war. Yet while its value can be measured in markets, the true weight of gold is not purely numerical. Beyond price and purity, it carries memories, meanings and emotional significance — as ThinkChina’s Grace Chong discovered in conversations with gold jewellers in Singapore and China, across generations.

US-China tensions over Taiwan are deepening, but Washington’s reluctance to make firm commitments may be giving Beijing room to tighten its grip, even as trust in the US declines and regional risks grow. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks to experts about the Taiwan Strait issue.

Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) shutdown has triggered a global helium shortage, pushing prices up, testing China’s chipmakers and disrupting import-dependent supply chains. Can Qatar’s missing capacity be offset by higher production from other countries?

A prolonged Iran war is draining US munitions, critical minerals and industrial capacity, and weakening the country’s defence base and military presence in Asia as rivalry with China intensifies, observes academic Hao Nan. 

Even as US President Donald Trump calls for international support for the war in Iran, within the US there are dissenting voices, as not everyone is convinced that war is the answer. What is clear is that domestic factors will increasingly limit Trump’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. Academic Derek Grossman discusses the issue.

While the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs has put a dent in President Trump’s strategy and the Middle East crisis adds caution, the US’s tariffs wars are far from over. China and other major surplus economies could be vulnerable to new measures. As trade talks continue and China-US industrial relations stay firmly intertwined, says Chinese academic Tao Zhigang, Chinese companies need to transform to survive.

Chongqing has gained a reputation for being a city of layers — in every sense — just waiting to be discovered and savoured. In this era of social media, many influencers have played a part in boosting Chongqing’s popularity. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu explores the charm of the city.