https://www.scmp.com/rss/521844/feed Jinghan (Michael) Zeng is a professor in the Department of Public and International Affairs at City University of Hong Kong. His research interests lie in politics and international relations, with a focus on China. His current work explores AI, the Belt and Road Initiative and Confucius Institutes. He is the author of "Memoirs of a Confucius Institute Director", "Artificial Intelligence with Chinese Characteristics: National Strategy, Security and Authoritarian Governance", among others. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng A year ago, after more than a decade in the United Kingdom and several years in the United States – including time working for the United Nations in New York City – I returned to Asia and arrived in Hong Kong expecting it to also be a leading hub for international relations. Hong Kong is often described as a “superconnector” between China and the world. Yet in one crucial domain – the study and practice of international relations – the city remains a paradox: globally connected, intellectually... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350702/how-hong-kong-can-actively-shape-foreign-policy-debate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3350702/how-hong-kong-can-actively-shape-foreign-policy-debate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng The renewed debate over Greenland has placed Denmark in an awkward strategic position. When a close ally openly flirts with the idea of territorial acquisition – however unrealistic or rhetorical – it exposes an uncomfortable truth for many middle and small powers: alignment does not guarantee protection and loyalty does not always translate into leverage. In an age defined by intensifying competition between the United States and China, governments increasingly feel inclined to show where they... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3340678/greenland-row-shows-why-foreign-policy-must-not-be-turned-moral-theatre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3340678/greenland-row-shows-why-foreign-policy-must-not-be-turned-moral-theatre?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:30:08 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng British politics is once again allowing domestic drama to override strategic thinking. The latest hysteria surrounding alleged Chinese spying and Beijing’s plans for a new embassy in London illustrates how Britain’s foreign policy risks being driven less by sober calculation than by political theatre. The consequences could be severe: Britain is edging towards repeating the mistakes of Brexit, trading its long-term national interests for short-term populist gain. In the United States, the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3332033/britain-danger-repeating-brexit-mistakes-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3332033/britain-danger-repeating-brexit-mistakes-china-relations?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng The collapse of the so-called China spy case in the UK has sparked a storm of headlines. Accusations of “spying for China”, allegations of improper government involvement in the dropping of the case, White House anger – the story ticked every box for front-page drama. Criticism of the government’s handling of the case was amplified by opposition politicians and commentators who never miss an opportunity to cast suspicion on closer ties with Beijing. This is not the first time people have been... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3329258/wake-britain-your-pressing-problem-hardly-chinese-espionage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3329258/wake-britain-your-pressing-problem-hardly-chinese-espionage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 01:30:09 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng When US tech giant Nvidia unveiled its B40-series chips for China – stripped-down versions of its more advanced H20 line – many in Washington and Silicon Valley believed they had struck a clever compromise. The United States would retain its technological lead while allowing China to buy “safe” alternatives that preserved its dependence on American suppliers. Nvidia, in turn, could continue to profit from one of its largest markets. The logic was simple: Beijing would accept something rather... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3326186/why-china-said-no-stripped-down-nvidia-chips?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3326186/why-china-said-no-stripped-down-nvidia-chips?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Sep 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng The recently released report Cold Crisis: Academic Freedom and Interference in China Studies in the UK, featured in British media, opens with a sobering statement: “The study of China in the UK is in crisis.” On this point, I wholeheartedly agree. But the diagnosis offered by the report misses the mark entirely. Rather than addressing the underlying structural issues facing higher education in the United Kingdom, the report casts a shadow of suspicion over anything connected to China. It cites... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3321458/london-must-look-within-not-towards-beijing-fix-academic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3321458/london-must-look-within-not-towards-beijing-fix-academic-woes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Jinghan (Michael) Zeng Jinghan (Michael) Zeng In late July, Shanghai hosted the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, once again showcasing China’s formidable progress in AI. From Unitree’s robot boxer to Huawei’s next-generation AI developments, the energy on the exhibition floor was palpable. Despite Shanghai’s rainy weather, large crowds flocked to the exhibition, reflecting strong public enthusiasm. But beyond the futuristic gadgets and technical breakthroughs, this year’s conference delivered a deeper message: China’s readiness to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3320236/chinas-call-global-ai-governance-loud-and-clear-us-listening?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3320236/chinas-call-global-ai-governance-loud-and-clear-us-listening?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:30:08 +0000