By Mei-Ling Chen
Shanghai-based correspondent covering Chinese politics, economy, cross-Strait relations and the Party apparatus.
China's media clampdown on Tibet floods draws scrutiny
China has censored videos and restricted journalist access to the Tibet flood disaster, sparking debate over media freedom. State media focu
Xi's Egypt visit signals China's push into Africa via Suez
Chinese President Xi Jinping's first Egypt visit in a decade underscores Beijing's pivot toward Africa through Suez industrial zones and tec
US public rejects Iran war despite media push, new poll finds
A new UMass Amherst poll reveals that 68% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran war, and 54% oppose the war itself. The fi
Pacific Islands Forum opens in Palau with key leaders absent and China anger over Taiwan
Five Pacific leaders skipped the forum in Palau, raising questions about China's influence. Beijing is furious over Taiwan's presence. The m
China's visa-free expansion quietly reshapes inbound tourism
China's visa-free policies are driving a surge in foreign arrivals, with 77.7% entering without a visa in H1 2026. The expansion now covers
China's record-setting robot sprint ends in a crash
At the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, Tiangong Ultra set a new 100m record of 8.64 seconds, nearly a second faster than Usain Bolt.
China's pharma strategy shifts from manufacturing to owning drug assets
China's pharmaceutical strategy is shifting from manufacturing to owning drug assets, with Chinese sponsors now running 32% of global clinic
Erdogan's diplomatic wins carry hidden risks across the Middle East
Turkey's recent diplomatic successes, including the Jeddah pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, have expanded its influence but also created
China caught in US economic squeeze on Iran as sanctions widen
The US Treasury's Operation Economic Outcast targets dozens of Chinese companies linked to Iran. Beijing faces a dilemma: it wants the confl
Nepal's deadly glacial flood: a warning from the Himalayas
A catastrophic debris flow swept through Nepal's Bhote Koshi valley, killing over 150 and leaving hundreds missing. Early analysis suggests
Can Democrats turn public anger over Trump's Iran war into 2028 gains?
For the first time in polling history, a US military action begins with majority opposition. Democrats hope to turn this into a 2028 advanta
Chinese students shun US campuses as global enrollment shifts
New foreign enrollment at US universities fell 20% this spring, with graduate programs down 24%. Chinese students, once the largest group, a