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.
Tough Tasks for China’s New Environment Ministry
By Jackson Ewing
Beijing is fundamentally changing its environmental governance, but will it work?
‘Asian Godfather’ Li Ka-shing to Retire
By Charlotte Gao
Since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power, Li has slowly but systematically withdrawn from China’s market.
‘We Are Chinese’: How China Is Influencing Sierra Leone’s Presidential Election
By Arran Elcoate
China is playing an unusually direct role in Sierra Leone's presidential campaign.
China's Medical Aid in Africa
By Long Wang and Joshua Bateman
China is doing more than building roads in Africa. It's also curing patients.
China's Massive Government Overhaul: What You Need to Know
By Shannon Tiezzi
A brief rundown of the changes and what they reveal about Beijing's priorities and ambitions.
China’s Quest: To Be a Status Super Power
By Kerry Brown
China wants the respect and the space accorded to a superpower, but it doesn’t want the responsibilities.
What Does a Trump-Kim Meeting Mean for China?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Despite relief that war seems less likely, there are concerns about China’s lack of input in the current round of diplomacy.
In Xinjiang, China’s 'Neo-Totalitarian' Turn Is Already a Reality
By Michael Clarke
China is not only reviving Mao-era social controls, but augmenting them through cutting-edge technology.
Xi Jinping: Rising Dictator or Another East Asian Strongman?
By Li Jie Sheng
Making sense of Xi’s likely extended stay in power by looking at other long-term or strong-handed regional leaders.
Beijing Sets A Harsh Tone for Hong Kong in the ‘Two Sessions’
By Charlotte Gao
Beijing purposefully downplays Hong Kong’s “autonomy” and highlights “zero tolerance” for Hong Kong independence.
What China Thinks About the Korean Thaw
By Shannon Tiezzi
In his annual press conference, the Chinese foreign minister gave the most in-depth comments on the subject so far.
Despite Its Global Expansion, China Stresses No Intention to Displace US
By Charlotte Gao
China's foreign minister says the conclusion that China will replace the U.S. is “fundamentally wrong.”