中国饮料市场上的咖啡、奶茶削价战仍在激烈开打。各连锁店纷纷推出不到10元人民币的精品咖啡，抢占市场。这背后有一个关键词——“内卷”。

“内卷”原本是一个社会学名词，指的是社会内部不断精细化和复杂化，但产生的价值却没有增加。

自2020年以来，这个词在中国互联网上迅速走红，用来形容社会过度竞争、低水平重复，而获得的回报却越来越少。例如职场人长期加班、学生参加越来越多的补习班，还有企业之间的价格战，都是“内卷”的表现。

“内卷”问题已经引起中共最高层的关注。去年7月30日召开的中共中央政治局会议提出，要防止内卷式竞争。今年以来，“内卷”这个词更高频率地出现在中国官方话语中。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员陈波，深入分析中国高层为什么如此重视“内卷”问题？它会给中国经济带来什么危害？这一回高层真的有决心“反内卷”吗？

延伸阅读：

• 韩咏红：中国经济来到半年转折点
• 学历贬值前途迷茫 中国年轻一代成为“老鼠人”

China's economy faces a destructive cycle of "involution" (内卷,neijuan)—a condition where intense competition leads to diminishing returns, despite increased effort and investment. A striking example is the current coffee price war, where chains are slashing prices to gain market share. While cheap lattes draw in consumers, the strategy is squeezing profits, stifling innovation, and reflecting broader challenges across China's economy.

Originally a sociological term describing internal complexity without meaningful progress, “involution” went viral on Chinese social media in 2020. The term now captures a wide range of social and economic anxieties from students buried in tutoring classes, to workers trapped in grueling overtime, to companies locked in cutthroat price battles.

In July 2024, China's leadership responded to rising concerns by publicly addressing “neijuan-style” vicious competition in its Politburo meeting. The move signals growing official recognition that hypercompetition is undermining economic sustainability. 

Can the Chinese government turn the tide? Can it move beyond growth at all costs, curb destructive price wars, and create an environment that rewards innovation and long-term value?

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks to Dr Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore. Together, they explore the roots of China’s economic involution, the government’s response and negative impacts on the Chinese economy. 

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

在新加坡首都剧场，几百名现场听众在观众席上，一起朗读台湾作家龙应台的散文。这是今年6月底城市阅读节上的其中一幕。

由新报业媒体华文媒体集团主办的城市阅读节，从6月27日举行至7月2日，来自新加坡、马来西亚、台海两岸以及日本的作家、媒体人、历史学者、外交官等出席近30场活动，介绍他们的著作。

中国大陆著名作家王安忆也在现场与听众互动。

在两岸三地关系再次隔阂的当下，在新加坡举办的城市阅读节，又一次成为华人作家与华人文化交流互动的平台。

新加坡的华人社群有志发挥作为平台的作用吗？还能再次扮演好这个角色吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新报业媒体华文媒体集团社长李慧玲一起讨论新加坡在两岸文化交流中的独特位置。

延伸阅读：

• 李慧玲：新加坡成功是数十年耐心努力积累与妥协的结果
• 第三届城市阅读节：30场文艺活动 探讨“个人•时代”

City Reading@SG 2025 recently concluded, reaffirming its role as a vibrant platform for Chinese writers and cultural exchange amidst evolving regional dynamics. Held from June 27 to July 2, this annual literary festival in Singapore celebrates reading and storytelling through a diverse array of talks, performances, and community events. Organised by SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group, the festival brought together writers, media professionals, historians, and cultural figures from Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, mainland China, and Japan. Across nearly 30 events, participants shared their works and engaged actively with audiences.

Highlights included a reading of essays by Taiwanese writer Lung Ying-tai and an interactive session with renowned mainland Chinese writer Wang Anyi. The festival underscores Singapore’s unique position as a cultural bridge within the Chinese-speaking world.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yong Hong speaks with Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group, to explore Singapore's growing potential as a platform for cultural exchange in the region.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

中国官方上个星期举行新闻发布会，正式宣布今年9月3日将在北京天安门广场举行大阅兵，纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。

有境外评论认为，这将是人类历史上规模最大的阅兵。也有传言称美国总统特朗普可能会出席，这有可能吗？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远解析“九三阅兵”规模会有多大？中国改革开放以来的历次阅兵有什么特点？特朗普有可能会出席吗？

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：中国今年阅兵有哪些看点
• 中国官宣“九三阅兵” 学者分析“秀肌肉”传递国际与两岸政治意涵

China announced on June 24 that it will stage a military parade at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3 to commemorate the end of World War II.

Some international commentators have described the upcoming event as potentially the largest military parade in history. Speculation has also emerged about a possible appearance by US President Donald Trump, though this has not been officially confirmed.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong speaks with Lianhe Zaobao's China news copy editor Yu Zeyuan about the expected scale of the parade, the features of past parades, and the likelihood of President Trump’s attendance.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国总统特朗普星期一傍晚在社交媒体上宣布，以色列与伊朗已同意全面停火，结束长达12天的激烈交火。

此前，美国于周末空袭伊朗三处核设施。特朗普高调宣称，美军已彻底摧毁伊朗的核能力；不过伊朗方面则表示，关键的浓缩铀早在轰炸前就已安全转移。

伊朗的核计划真的被打垮了吗？这场冲突究竟打出了什么结果？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与美国德州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中，以及新加坡国立大学中东研究所研究员林婧，一起深入解析以伊虽传出停火，中东真的会迎来和平吗？

延伸阅读：

• 学者：美国袭击伊朗核设施不具正当性 但联合国宪章难约束大国
• 早知：伊朗若封锁霍尔木兹海峡将如何影响全球

US President Donald Trump’s unexpected announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran has left the international community questioning whether peace is truly at hand. The announcement follows 12 days of escalating conflict, which began with Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and intensified when the United States intervened over the weekend, launching airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites. 

President Trump claimed that Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were “completely and totally obliterated.” However, military experts and satellite imagery suggest that while the Fordow facility suffered severe damage, confirmation of its complete destruction remains elusive due to its deep underground location. 

In retaliation for US strikes, Iran launched a missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23. There were no casualties, and the base sustained minimal damage, as both US and Qatari officials had advance warning of the attack following prior notification from Iran.

The ceasefire’s status remains ambiguous. While Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire,” both Israeli and Iranian authorities have yet to officially confirm the agreement

Questions persist about the effectiveness of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear program and whether this ceasefire marks a genuine step toward peace or merely a temporary pause. Did the US intervention significantly set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or is Tehran’s claim of safeguarding its enriched uranium credible? What were the true objectives behind the past 12 days of conflict?

This episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, hosted by Han Yonghong, features Dr Dennis Lu-Chung Weng, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University, and Dr Jing Lin, research fellow at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore. Together, they analyse the fragile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics and explore the potential pathways forward for the region.

Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

以色列6月13日凌晨对伊朗发动了空袭。在连续四天的军事斩首行动中，伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队总司令等高级军事将领、高级核科学家丧生。以色列声称，它已摧毁了伊朗三分之一的导弹发射器，并且击中了伊朗境内多个目标和军事基础设施，还控制了伊朗西部和德黑兰的空域。

这场冲突的直接导火索是伊朗的核武问题。美国总统特朗普星期一在社媒上重申，伊朗不应该拥有核武。他还表示，德黑兰的所有居民应该立刻撤离。

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与台湾中兴大学副教授兼当代南亚与中东研究中心主任崔进揆解析以伊冲突将往何处发展？这会将中东局势带向何方？美国会否加入战局？

延伸阅读：

• 陈留俊：以色列和伊朗的决战时刻到了
• 沈泽玮：中国网民看伊朗又菜又怂

The Middle East stands at a precarious crossroads as tensions between Israel and Iran reach a boiling point. Following a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and figures associated with its nuclear programme, Iran has retaliated, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. While Israel claims to have crippled a significant portion of Iran's missile capabilities and gained control of airspace over Tehran, the veracity of these claims remains under scrutiny.

At the heart of this confrontation are long-standing anxieties over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. US President Trump has weighed in, reiterating his opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran and reportedly even suggesting the evacuation of Tehran. The international community is deeply concerned, with leaders worldwide urging restraint and diplomatic solutions.

As uncertainty looms, critical questions remain: Can the conflict be contained, or will it ignite a wider regional war? What role will the US ultimately play? What are the long-term consequences for the Middle East and the world at large?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong explores the complexities and stakes of the Israel-Iran conflict with Chin-Kuei Tsui, Associate Professor and Director of Institute of International Politics & Center for Studies on South Asia and the Middle East.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

经过了两天马拉松式的谈判，中国和美国经贸官员在伦敦的磋商终于告一段落。

中国商务部国际贸易谈判代表兼副部长李成钢表示，双方对6月5日元首通话共识，以及5月10日内瓦会谈共识，达成了框架。美国商务部长卢特尼克也说，双方已达成框架来落实日内瓦共识。下一步就是——让美国总统特朗普和中国国家主席习近平批准。

中美伦敦磋商，谈出了一个“框架”，这“框架”有什么意涵？特朗普总统一再抱怨，中国“不好对付”。中国最近打出“稀土牌”，这项战术是否发挥了决定性作用？在这场持久战中，谁又有条件撑得更久？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡管理大学李光前商学院副教授傅方剑以及美国德州山姆休士顿州立大学政治系副教授翁履中一同分析中美达成“框架协议”的背景与意义，以及中方打出“稀土牌”的效果。

延伸阅读：

• 特朗普称“中国不易对付” 学者评估北京采“把球踢向未来”谈判策略
• 沈泽玮：中美进入深水区近战肉搏

After two days of intensive talks in London, Chinese and U.S. trade officials have reached a framework agreement, following up on prior discussions between their heads of state and earlier talks in Geneva.

China’s Vice Commerce Minister Li Chenggang said the deal builds on the June 5 call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump and the May 10 Geneva meeting. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed both sides had agreed on steps to implement the Geneva consensus. Final approval now rests with Xi and Trump.

While details of the framework remain unclear, questions linger over whether China’s recent move to leverage rare earth exports influenced the outcome. As tensions persist, observers are watching to see which side is better positioned for the long haul.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, Fu Fangjian, Associate Professor of Finance at Singapore Management University’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business and Dr. Dennis Lu-Chung Weng, Associate Professor of Political Science at Sam Houston State University, join host Han Yonghong to discuss the latest breakthrough in US–China trade talks, the political stakes behind the London framework deal, and whether economic pressure tactics—like China’s rare earth leverage—are shifting the balance in this strategic rivalry.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5月30日，世界首富马斯克终于离开了美国特朗普政府。

马斯克是特朗普亲密战友以及最大的金主。他在去年的美国总统大选中投入了至少2.5亿美元，来协助特朗普和其他的共和党议员当选。

在特朗普上任后，马斯克以总统顾问的身份率领新成立的政府效率部，在四个月内火速解聘了20万名联邦政府雇员，也关闭了美国进行国际援助的美国国际开发署。

马斯克声称为美国政府节省了1750亿美元，但是这远远少于他最初夸口要节省两万亿美元的目标。

马斯克本人的生意也大受影响。特斯拉的收入大跌71%，马斯克的个人身价也缩水了1000亿美元。

5月30日，特朗普为马斯克举行了一个送别记者会。特朗普说，马斯克不会真的离开，永远是他的“朋友和顾问”。

过去这130多天里马斯克给白宫留下了什么？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡优势研究咨询公司创始人兼CEO 张帆一起分析马斯克在白宫的成绩单以及他和特朗普的微妙关系。

延伸阅读：

• 特朗普称马斯克永远是他的“朋友和顾问”
• 马斯克将离开特朗普政府 效率部前景存疑

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, has officially stepped down from his role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, marking the end of a chapter characterised by both collaboration and conflict, particularly over federal spending and tax policies. 

As a pivotal financial backer of Trump’s campaign, Musk spearheaded efforts to streamline government operations, including significant federal employee layoffs and sweeping budget cuts. Despite claims of substantial government savings, Musk’s initiatives failed to meet their ambitious targets, and his business ventures faced notable financial setbacks. Following a farewell event hosted by President Trump, questions linger about Musk’s lasting influence and the broader implications for US politics.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Tim Zhang, Founder & CEO of Edge Research, dissect the complex relationship between Elon Musk and the Trump administration.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

美国特朗普政府与精英大学的战争再次升级。自今年4月冻结哈佛大学超过22亿美元的拨款后，联邦政府国土安全部上个星期宣布，取消哈佛大学录取外国学生的资格。这意味着哈佛不能再招收外国学生，在籍学生也必须马上转校。

这一纸禁令引起举世哗然。哈佛大学立即向法院起诉，指控政府公然违反美国宪法。联邦法官签发临时限制令，暂停了禁令，哈佛赢得暂时的胜利。

有389年历史的哈佛大学，是美国最有名、最富有的大学，是自由主义思想的重镇、精英的摇篮，也是一些保守派人士的眼中钉。

早在2023年，特朗普便宣示，若再次当选总统，将“把美国的教育从马克思主义狂人和疯子手中夺回来”。如今，特朗普已经再次入主白宫，他和大学的大战也不断升级。

特朗普的这场大战，最近也扯上了中国。到底谁会是最后的赢家？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远一起分析特朗普大战哈佛的表与里，以及这场战火如何波及中国，其他高校又做何反应。

延伸阅读：

• 于泽远：特朗普打哈佛对中国有利
• 特稿：特朗普政府频频施压 赴美留学生恐成“学术难民”

The Trump administration’s recent move to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students has ignited a firestorm of controversy. 

The ban, led by the Department of Homeland Security, would have forced current international students to transfer or lose their legal status, prompting Harvard to file a lawsuit. A federal judge responded by issuing a temporary restraining order, blocking the policy’s immediate implementation.

This action is part of President Trump’s ongoing conflict with elite universities, previously marked by threats to withhold federal funding and accusations of institutions promoting “Marxist” ideologies.

While the administration cites national security and intellectual property concerns, critics argue the ban is politically motivated and unfairly targets a prestigious institution known for its liberal stance.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of rising US-China tensions, raising questions about the policy’s broader implications for American higher education and international relations.

In this episode of the Global Heartbeat podcast, host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao’s China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan explore the complexities of this intensifying conflict over higher education in the United States.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5月6日到10日，中国网红“豪哥哥”制作的视频，以印度歌舞风格调侃印巴之间的空战冲突。

印巴冲突的过程中，印度的战机被巴基斯坦利用中国制造的歼10战斗机打下。路透社引述美国官员消息说，至少两架印度战机被打下，其中至少一架是法国制造“阵风”战斗机。

“豪哥哥”在视频里嘲笑印度丢人，飞机没回家、钱都白花，气得印度勃然大怒。印度官方强调，印度的飞行员都安全回家，网上流传的飞机残骸照片是中国政府“有组织的政治宣传”。

目前，印度和巴基斯坦已经达成停火协议。中国与印度的民间舆论口水战还在继续，印度的飞机到底有没有被中国战机打下，“豪哥哥”的视频是不是在羞辱印度？

这个风波又会对中印关系构成什么影响？这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与《联合早报》中国新闻资深高级记者于泽远一起分析这场从战场延烧到网络的“信息战”。

延伸阅读：

• 中国网红改编印度神曲暗讽印巴空战 印度政府抗议
• 于泽远：中国军火成为印巴交战的大赢家

A viral video by Chinese influencer "Brother Hao" has sparked controversy and fuelled nationalistic sentiment online by parodying the alleged downing of Indian fighter jets during a recent clash between India and Pakistan.

Set to a popular Indian tune, the video humorously depicts the destruction of a newly acquired Indian aircraft, implying both a military setback and financial loss for India. Its rapid spread on Chinese social media has coincided with a surge in nationalistic pride, with many users celebrating what they perceive as India’s embarrassment.

In response to online narratives and media reports from some Chinese outlets, Indian officials have asserted that all their pilots returned safely and have dismissed such claims as disinformation.

While India and Pakistan have since agreed to a ceasefire, the video continues to stoke heated exchanges on social media between Chinese and Indian netizens, raising concerns about the impact on already strained China-India relations.

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Lianhe Zaobao's China News Copy Editor Yu Zeyuan as they delve deeper into this unfolding story.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

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中美贸易会谈星期天在瑞士日内瓦落幕。会后，两国发表了《中美日内瓦经贸会谈联合声明》，达成多项重要共识，超出市场预期。

总的来说，美国对中国商品的加征关税从145%大幅降至30%，中国对美国商品的关税则从125%降至10%。中国也相应暂停或取消对美方的非关税反制措施。双方还同意建立机制，继续进行协商。

美国总统特朗普表示，这是中美经贸关系的全面重置。他还透露，预计将在周末与中国国家主席习近平通电话。这项利好消息带动全球股市上扬。

中国此前曾坚定表示“不跪”。那这次，是中国在让步？还是美国做出了妥协？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与新加坡国立大学东亚研究所高级研究员陈波，深入分析这场会谈究竟是中美暂时停火，还是正式休兵。

延伸阅读：

• 韩咏红：咖啡奶茶外卖大战掀起涟漪
• 杨丹旭：从奉陪到底到不跪

Global markets breathed a sigh of relief this week as the US and China announced a significant breakthrough in their trade war.

Concluding talks in Geneva, the two nations agreed to a mutual reduction of tariffs and the suspension of retaliatory measures. This agreement, described by President Trump and officials as a major reset, aims to foster a more stable and predictable trade relationship between the world's two largest economies.

While the news triggered a surge in global stock markets, experts remain cautiously optimistic. The agreement establishes mechanisms for ongoing dialogue, crucial for addressing the complex web of trade issues that still separate the two nations.

Are the US and China entering a new era of cooperation, or is this merely a temporary pause in their longstanding trade tensions?

In this episode of Global Heartbeat podcast, join host Han Yonghong and Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, as they delve into the US-China trade negotiations and their global implications.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

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