Armageddon politics and the Iran war

The recent showcase of the ability and appearance of humanoid robots during China’s Spring Festival Gala has set off a storm of discussion on whether robots that are indiscernible from humans are welcomed or not. Academic Zhang Tiankan notes that while robots can take over menial work, it must never hold a higher status than humans.

Robotic exoskeletons, or devices that can sense and adapt to users’ movements, providing synchronised assistance to help them walk or climb, are giving consumer robotics a real shot at mainstream success — but will China seize the lead in shaping the future of everyday robots?

Across China’s tourist towns, travel photography turns visitors into “ancient beauties”. With costumes, stylists and lighting, cities sell curated dynastic fantasies in which tourists become part of the scenery. Writer Ng Kong Ling reflects on the purpose of travel and photography — to record the world, or express ourselves?

US foreign policy today is greatly influenced by immigration patterns, organised lobbying and campaign finance dynamics, causing huge pendulum swings that have major consequences. Academic Ma Haiyun shares his views. 

US-Israel attacks on Iran may achieve short-term gains but do long-term harm to the bargaining environment needed to prevent endless war. Instead of victory, Washington may have caused ripple effects that will have compounding costs for the US and for the Middle East region. Academic Hao Nan gives his assessment.

As artificial intelligence (AI) displaces human labour, the foundations of public finance begin to shift. If fewer workers earn wages, governments may need to tax productive systems and intelligent capital instead, says entrepreneur Simon Lim.

As Iran faces continued US-Israel bombardment, it is clear that President Donald Trump has no intention of easing the pressure. Amid the crisis, China is exercising strategic patience — diversifying energy ties and strengthening its Eurasian influence — turning regional turbulence into a potential long-term advantage while the US pursues rapid action. Researcher Eka Khorbaladze explains the likely impact and China’s role in the unfolding situation.

Seedance 2.0 puts China ahead in AI video. More than tech, it powers micro-dramas, spreads culture and fuels global commerce — turning algorithms into real-world influence. Chinese technology expert Yin Ruizhi examines the factors involved, not least the US style of form over substance, against China’s practical approach.

The latest OECD projections suggest that India will be the world’s largest economy in the next 40 years or so, with the US stabilising in second and China third. EAI non-resident senior fellow Bert Hofman offers an analysis of the reasons and factors behind this forecast.

The current turmoil in the Middle East may not disrupt China-US relations, but instead stabilise it, as China will not underestimate US strength, and the US will continue to seek reciprocal gains in dealing with China. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei finds out from academics the impact of the Iran strike on China-US relations.

The recent escalation of the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict upends China’s westward economic expansion. With neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan willing to subordinate their core security objectives to Beijing’s connectivity agenda, will China find itself unable to push forward on its regional strategy? US academic John Calabrese ponders this quandary.

A slew of investigations and dismissals of high-level party officials, slower growth targets across provinces, and an emphasis on cultivating a “correct view of political achievements” are just some of the issues leading up to the highly anticipated Two Sessions this week. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong takes a look at what we can expect from the meeting.

The US and Israel have launched a military strike on Iran that has killed its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, to mixed reactions globally. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan looks at the effects of the offensive, not least on China.

Hedging comes at a cost, but it is a price India may have to pay as it gets constricted by US transactionalism, two-front security pressure, Pakistan’s strategic rehabilitation and China’s institutional penetration of South Asia. Academic Hao Nan analyses the situation. 

China worries that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state would set a precedent for Taiwan. It is also concerned about the greater transfer of security know-how and regional contacts to Taiwan via the Taiwan-Israel-Somaliland entente. Italian commentator Emanuele Scimia explains.

The ride-hailing industry in China is becoming increasingly competitive, with the influx of drivers following the pandemic. As a result, some drivers are driving only to get by, while spending the rest of the time on leisure activities such as mahjong. Lianhe Zaobao associate China news editor Sim Tze Wei looks at the phenomenon of involution, and how it is spilling over to other countries.

The high frequency of foreign dignitaries from Asia, Europe and South America visiting China at the start of 2026 indicates a strong focus and urgency behind Beijing’s effort to draw US allies closer and counter America’s efforts to restore preeminence in the western hemisphere, observes ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Voters rallied behind Japan’s first female prime minister, seeing Takaichi not just as a Liberal Democratic Party leader but as a figure to challenge the old order and bring unprecedented change to politics and policy. Academic Shin Kawashima takes a look at the factors that led to the election outcome.