ThinkChina

07/09/2025

Chinese food offerings evolved from ancient sacrifices of cattle and sheep to everyday snacks like boba tea and potato chips. Rooted in practicality rather than taste, these rituals blend purity for spirits with what people can afford, reflecting the essence of Chinese popular religion. History professor Poo Mu-chou shares his research and thoughts.

Chinese food offerings evolved from ancient sacrifices of cattle and sheep to everyday snacks like boba tea and potato chips. Rooted in practicality rather than taste, these rituals blend purity for spirits with what people can afford, reflecting the essence of Chinese popular religion. History prof...

06/09/2025

While the world’s attention is on Beijing’s grand military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, historical photo collector Hsu Chung-mao commemorates the occasion with photo exhibits — one in Taiwan with Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and another in South Korea with former President Moon Jae-in — small, ground-up events that are just as meaningful.

Full story here: https://tinyurl.com/5d4328wj

Photos courtesy of Hsu Chung-mao.

05/09/2025

What started as a trickle during the early days of the US-China trade war has become a torrent. To retain access to US markets, companies that have long powered China’s export engine are setting up shop in Vietnam, drawn not only by low labour costs but gains in tariff relief and improved regional access.

What started as a trickle during the early days of the US-China trade war has become a torrent. To retain access to US markets, companies that have long powered China’s export engine are setting up shop in Vietnam, drawn not only by low labour costs but gains in tariff relief and improved regional...

05/09/2025

While China held its military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, one world leader was left out: US President Donald Trump, who implied that there was a conspiracy against the US. Is this accurate? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her analysis.

While China held its military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, one world leader was left out: US President Donald Trump, who implied that there was a conspiracy against the US. Is this accurate? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her analysis.

04/09/2025

Former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon reflects on how former critics of Singapore — on Asian values, governance, and freedom — now see a nation that champions harmony, long-term vision, and stable leadership amid global chaos. How should we shape our future in this uncertain world?

Former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon reflects on how former critics of Singapore — on Asian values, governance, and freedom — now see a nation that champions harmony, long-term vision, and stable leadership amid global chaos. How should we shape our future in this uncertain world?

04/09/2025

As China unveils its strength in a high-profile military parade, a new global force takes shape. In a world where peace is fragile and justice contested, both great powers and small states face a new test in navigating shifting geopolitical ground. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu shares her thoughts.

As China unveils its strength in a high-profile military parade, a new global force takes shape. In a world where peace is fragile and justice contested, both great powers and small states face a new test in navigating shifting geopolitical ground. Lianhe Zaobao China news editor Yang Danxu shares h...

04/09/2025

Following Shigeru Ishiba’s failure to win a majority in the House of Councillors election in July, his future is in doubt as to how long he can hold on, amid bumps with tariff negotiations with the US, as well as domestic challenges such as handling Japan’s WWII legacy. Academic Toh Lam Seng analyses the situation.

Following Shigeru Ishiba’s failure to win a majority in the House of Councillors election in July, his future is in doubt as to how long he can hold on, amid bumps with tariff negotiations with the US, as well as domestic challenges such as handling Japan’s WWII legacy. Academic Toh Lam Seng ana...

04/09/2025

China’s 3 September military parade was more than a mere display of might, says academic Alessandro Arduino. It was a carefully orchestrated affirmation of Xi Jinping’s power, and a signal to global rivals that China is a force to be reckoned with.

China’s 3 September military parade was more than a mere display of might, says academic Alessandro Arduino. It was a carefully orchestrated affirmation of Xi Jinping’s power, and a signal to global rivals that China is a force to be reckoned with.

03/09/2025

China’s struggle to move past historical trauma with Japan reveals deeper challenges in perception. Misconceptions must be separated from culture, history from present, emotion from reason, says commentator Wei Da. Time and civilisation demand that former mortal enemies learn to look beyond hatred, rebuild friendship and pursue lasting development.

China’s struggle to move past historical trauma with Japan reveals deeper challenges in perception. Misconceptions must be separated from culture, history from present, emotion from reason, says commentator Wei Da. Time and civilisation demand that former mortal enemies learn to look beyond hatred...