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Aw Cheng Wei

China Correspondent

Cheng Wei is China correspondent at The Straits Times. He is based in the Chongqing municipality in south-western China, where he documents the changes of everyday life as the world’s second-largest economy tries to carve a way to the top. He was previously based in Beijing and Singapore. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Oxford.

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Positive outlook aside, Xi-Trump call points to Taiwan, critical minerals as thorny issues

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk as they leave after a bilateral meeting at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo

Chongqing’s economic plans signal continuity even as city tries to tap trends

Chongqing’s move to grow its “emotional economy” comes as the booming consumption trend takes hold worldwide.
Chongqing’s move to grow its “emotional economy” comes as the booming consumption trend takes hold worldwide.

China is now Central Asia’s top trading partner. Will there be a tug of war with Russia?

A freight train near the railway station of Dostyk at the Kazakh-Chinese border, a key hub for trade between China and Europe through Central Asia.
A freight train near the railway station of Dostyk at the Kazakh-Chinese border, a key hub for trade between China and Europe through Central Asia.

China studying better benefits for gig workers, with inspiration from Singapore

China’s booming gig economy, with some 200 million workers, has been plagued by issues such as low wages, and potential exploitation.
China’s booming gig economy, with some 200 million workers, has been plagued by issues such as low wages, and potential exploitation.

Maduro capture: What’s at stake for China’s economic interests in Venezuela

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are currently in New York following air strikes by the US.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are currently in New York following air strikes by the US.

China police crack down on errant private cinemas over alleged sex services

awcinema - An example of a private cinema room in Chongqing.
ST PHOTO: AW CHENG WEI
awcinema - An example of a private cinema room in Chongqing.
ST PHOTO: AW CHENG WEI

Singapore, China roll out digital renminbi pilot for tourists

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong (left) meeting Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang in Chongqing, China, on Dec 15.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong (left) meeting Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang in Chongqing, China, on Dec 15.

As jobs dry up, China’s migrant workers are returning to their villages and staying put

Significant numbers of unemployed migrant workers are returning to their home towns and remaining there.
Significant numbers of unemployed migrant workers are returning to their home towns and remaining there.

DPM Gan to head to Chongqing for high-level Singapore-China talks

This is Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s second visit to China in four months.
This is Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong’s second visit to China in four months.

Dying breed: Chongqing’s iconic porters struggle for relevance as economy shifts

Once a common sight in the city, porters have been increasingly phased out by delivery riders and improvements to Chongqing’s transport system.
Once a common sight in the city, porters have been increasingly phased out by delivery riders and improvements to Chongqing’s transport system.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.