Latest posts by Oiwan Lam
UNESCO is unwittingly contributing to the controversy surrounding the term ‘Lunar New Year’
This year marks the first new year since UNESCO approved China’s application to include customs of the Spring Festival to its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
Can US TikTok refugees find a home in Chinese social media Xiaohongshu?
For US TikTokers, flocking to Xiaohongshu is an act of resistance. However, some Chinese overseas dissidents find the action belittles the suffering of the oppressed.
How is former US president Jimmy Carter remembered in China and Taiwan?
In mainland China, Jimmy Carter is often called “an old friend of China” as he played a pivotal role in establishing the diplomatic relations between the US and the PRC.
Can giant pandas rescue Hong Kong's economy?
Hong Kong officials hope the pandas can help stimulate the city's economy, boost tourism, and strengthen ties between Hong Kong and Beijing.
Chinese president Xi Jinping visits Macau to spotlight the casino hub as a showcase of One Country Two Systems
To ensure the Chinese president’s inspection tour in the casino hub is perfectly safe, Macau authorities have beefed up security measures
A pro-China rapper blows whistle on Beijing's influencer network in Taiwan
Chen Po-yuan, an insider of a pro-China influencer network in Taiwan, publicly revealed the operation of mainland Chinese state agencies within the self-ruled region.
Mass killings leave dozens dead, rattling Chinese society
After a spate of mass attacks in China where the perpetrators were supposedly ‘taking revenge on society’, some are calling for reform and greater social support.
Influx of student bike riders from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng overwhelm Chinese authorities
While the state initially encouraged student "night riders" who were biking from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng for steamed buns, overcrowding and politically sensitive messaging led the government to clamp down on the bikers.
Hong Kong education experts weigh options for addressing student suicide problem
As suicides are on the rise among young people in Hong Kong, some suggest that adopting traditional Chinese values and cultural practices can solve the student suicide problem.
Chinese police ban ‘weird’ costumes and round up partygoers ahead of Halloween
Shanghai police were deployed in full force over the weekend to crack down on Halloween activities amid concerns that revelers might appear in politically sensitive costumes. They continued celebrating regardless.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences triggers debates on China’s economic growth
A few critical voices are using three Nobel laureates' research to argue for institutional reform in China. Critics say change is essential to address the country's economic woes.
What is behind China’s latest military drills around Taiwan?
As pointed out by many China observers, the unprovoked drills aim at manifesting China’s ability to strangle or choke, if not takedown, Taiwan in a swift manner.
Lone candidate Sam Hou Fai is now Macau’s designated Chief Executive
Sam Hou Fai was is the Casino hub's first executive leader to be born in Mainland China. The former judge has vowed to regulate the development of Macau’s gaming industry
X overtakes WeChat in spreading Chinese disinformation about the 2024 US presidential elections
Many mainland Chinese influencers have migrated away from WeChat thanks to China’s censorship policies and resettled on X in recent years. They're turning their attention to the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
A Japanese schoolboy was killed in China, raising concerns about increasing xenophobia
As anti-Japanese sentiment spreads in China, the second hate-crime in two months is raising questions about the country’s nationalistic education and how it is spreading xenophobia.
Does ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ conquer the game world with its free spirit or China’s soft power?
Some believe that China's desire to promote its soft power has contributed to the game's popularity, others see the creating team's will to confront the destiny of the gaming sector.
China’s top nationalist influencer Hu Xijin silenced for over a month, but very few miss him
Hu Xijin, the former chief editor of the Chinese-state-funded Global Times and a prominent nationalist commentator, has been quiet on social media for over one month, since he critiqued party policy.
What are the controversies over Hong Kong’s latest cybersecurity bill?
“The proposals give authorities overly broad powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers and rock confidence in the city’s digital economy.”
Taiwan embraces Olympic gold medal boxer Lin Yu-ting amid unwarranted gender controversy
Amid unwarranted gender controversy, an online bullying campaign, and transphobic smears, gold-medal-winning Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting has become a symbol for Taiwan.
Can Hong Kong's achievement in the Olympics revive the city's spirit?
Some see the city's achievement in the Olympics as an opportunity to reclaim “Hong Kong’s Spirit.”
Taiwan struggles to combat Chinese influence in its generative AI tools
Taiwan released TAIDE, a Taiwan-centric generative AI bot, in April 2024, to address cultural and political bias and security risks, like industrial espionage, cyber-attacks and propaganda, associated with imported AIs.