Letter | China’s reform plan holds promise for Southeast Asia

China’s direction-setting is an important step forward. Its commitment to creating a modern market economy and protecting vibrant economic systems in the region will support and enhance multilateral trade platforms. This alignment with global economic standards could also improve regional economic stability and cooperation.

The emphasis on the rule of law is particularly encouraging. This is a crucial element in establishing China as a reliable and constructive partner in trade, investment and regional diplomacy. Such a commitment is vital for fostering trust and collaboration between China and Southeast Asia.

Malaysia will be at the centre of these efforts as it takes over as Asean chair next year. It is crucial for Malaysia to take note of this progress as China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and a key source of foreign direct investment.

China’s reforms are expected to stimulate economic growth, and stronger economic performance in China typically results in higher demand for Malaysian exports. The outcomes of China’s reforms are likely to contribute to better regional economic integration and regional stability, which in turn will be beneficial for Malaysia’s economic development.

We are optimistic about the transformative potential of China’s reform agenda. By focusing on modernisation, legal adherence and international engagement, China’s efforts align with the broader goals of regional stability and prosperity. These reforms will benefit both China and Southeast Asia while contributing to a more integrated and resilient regional economy, though it is unclear if they will materialise soon enough for the effective implementation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ agenda during Malaysia’s chairmanship.

Kat W. Wong, director, Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research

Boys’ love a genre not to be ignored

I echo your correspondent’s observation about the growing popularity of the boys’ love genre beyond mainland China. This genre is gradually creating global buzz.

When I first moved to Guangzhou, two male animation characters in period costume drew my eyes everywhere. They were printed on drink cans, sold as merchandise in toy shops, and they had pop-up stores devoted to them. I didn’t pay much attention at the time though, and thought it might be some sort of animation like Naruto or Douluo Continent, which was well-received on the mainland.

It was not until I went to Xiamen for work and saw an entire Lawson convenience store decorated with these two male characters that I learned they belonged to a boys’ love series called Heaven Official’s Blessing. Later, when I was hanging around in Singapore, I saw these two characters again.

The boys’ love genre is no longer just a subculture but an industry targeting a particular group of female consumers who are willing to spend money on all sorts of merchandise. It is exporting Chinese culture and showcasing Chinese soft power. Like it or not, boys’ love is an emerging genre that cannot be ignored and is giving rise to a niche market.

Anson Chan, Guangzhou

Just asking

The property market in Hong Kong is in a dire situation despite all sorts of government measures and good intentions.

I see some lucky developers getting the financing to complete projects, albeit at high interest rates. Notably, the lenders are not banks but private capital.

Or alternatively, stop building subsidised flats for a while and instead buy out troubled developers’ private housing projects at reasonable prices, so as to help stabilise the property market and the construction industry. This might be a win-win for the public and the government.

Joseph Chan, founding partner and director, Oriental Patron