Blog
China Power
China's rise inspires a mix of awe, fear and skepticism. But what will its global role be? Are we on the brink of a bipolar world? How will its neighbors respond? Will it all come crashing down? The Diplomat's daily China blog will try to find some answers.
2nd Canadian Goes on Trial in China on Spying Charges
By Sam McNeil
Diplomats were barred from attending the trial of Michael Kovrig, just like at fellow Canadian Michael Spavor’s trial last week.
Legal Challenges Look to Advance LGBTQ+ Rights in Hong Kong
By Jessie Lau
A court case filed by a gay widower highlights Hong Kong's conservative approach to gender.
The Ant Group Incident Reveals the Fragile Future of Innovation in China
By Zhuoran Li and Gavin Xu
Increasing CCP control, coupled with bureaucratic infighting, decreases the incentives for private companies to try new things.
Do the Anchorage Talks Represent a New Normal for US-China Relations?
By Shannon Tiezzi
The fiery stance from China’s diplomats signals they are willing to return perceived disrespect with more disrespect.
US, China Spar in First Face-to-Face Meeting Under Biden
By Matthew Lee and Mark Thiessen
The contentious tone of the two sides' public comments suggested their private discussions will be even more rocky.
Jailed Canadians to Face Trial in China
By Associated Press
After two years in detention, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor will face trial for espionage, amid accusations that Beijing is using them for “hostage diplomacy.”
National Security Law Casts a Shadow Over Hong Kong’s Art Scene
By Jessie Lau
From museum exhibits to film screenings, the art scene is increasingly feeling the impact of the law.
China’s Arctic Ambitions Face Increasing Headwinds in Finland
By Sanna Kopra and Matti Puranen
Finland is one of China's best options for accessing the Arctic. But even here, there is growing suspicion of Chinese investments.
China Takes Aim at UK Ambassador Over Media Freedom Post
By Bonnie Girard
British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson learns the hard way how prickly Beijing is, even to sympathetic criticisms.
What Hong Kong’s Legislative Reforms Mean for the City
By Brian Wong
Parsing the motivations, and implications, of Beijing's plan to overhaul Hong Kong's electoral and legislative structures.
China’s Myanmar Mess
By Sarah M. Brooks and Debbie Stothard
Increasingly, China’s non-action on the Myanmar coup is going against Beijing’s own interests.
Denied Benefits, Chinese Single Moms Press for Change
By Huizhong Wu
“I just want to know in the national policy, as a single parent, as an unmarried woman, do I have the right to give birth?”