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.
China’s Asymmetric FDI Policies Threaten the Success of the Belt and Road Initiative
By Grzegorz Stec
All evidence suggests that China is failing to make the BRI a two-way street.
Chinese Government Takes Over Anbang; Founder Faces Prosecution
By Charlotte Gao
The Chinese insurance conglomerate that purchased the Waldorf hotel is floundering.
Racism and the Belt and Road in CCTV’s Spring Festival Gala
By Chenchen Zhang
What a controversial skit tells us about racial and geopolitical narratives in China.
Is China Hiding Information About Tibet's Jokhang Temple Fire?
By Charlotte Gao
China’s state media says that all cultural relics and the main building in Lhasa are intact, but many Tibetans doubt it.
China and Ethiopia, Part 2: The Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway
By Istvan Tarrosy and Zoltán Vörös
As with the light railway, the reality of the Ethiopia-Djibouti link is dashing high hopes.
China's Soft Diplomacy at the Munich Security Conference
By Charlotte Gao
Against the rising tide of “China threat” rhetoric, senior diplomat Fu Ying tries a soft tone.
Did India's Prime Minister Want to Ruin Chinese New Year?
By Charlotte Gao
Furious at Modi’s visit to a disputed territory, Beijing lodges “stern representations” with New Delhi.
The Risks of the China-Saudi Arabia Partnership
By Samuel Ramani
Geopolitical factors, as well as Saudi Arabia's own domestic landscape, could limit the relationship's potential.
China's State-Backed Start-up Push
By Arjun Bisen
Can the government create a true start-up ecosystem, or are its efforts only creating a bubble?
6.5 Million Chinese to Travel Abroad for 2018 Spring Festival Holiday
By Charlotte Gao
Each Chinese tourist is expected to spend 9,500 yuan (about $1,500) on average traveling abroad.
Xi Jinping May Turn to Top Ally to Handle US Pressure
By Don Tse and Larry Ong
Wang Qishan, Xi's right-hand man, may reemerge as vice president after stepping down from his CCP position.
Beijing's Blood Shortage Crisis
By Charlotte Gao
The health crisis comes after Beijing's health authorities abruptly called off family/replacement blood donations.