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.
Taiwan’s New President-Elect Should Prioritize the Economy
By Huynh Tam Sang
The greatest obstacle for the soon-to-be president of Taiwan is not the China threat, but rather economic concerns, particularly among young people.
Trouble Among Neighbors: Iran, Pakistan, and China’s Offer of Mediation
By Eram Ashraf
China’s interest in mediating between Iran and Pakistan stemmed from both specific concerns and broader foreign policy shifts.
With Global Shipping on the Line, China Says It’s ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Tensions in the Red Sea
By Associated Press
A spokesperson said that China is “deeply concerned about the recent escalation of the Red Sea situation,” but did not mention the Houthis by name.
Guatemala’s Decision: Exploring What China and Taiwan Actually Offer
By Hunter Sosby and Jalen Zeman
Among many important issues, the incoming Arévalo administration is weighing Guatemala’s historical diplomatic recognition of Taiwan with a desire to expand commercial relations with China.
Playing the Long Game: Ukraine’s Approach to China
By Rakshith Shetty
Zelenskyy has good reasons for not antagonizing Xi. But given Beijing’s “no-limits partnership” with Moscow, will Ukraine's efforts ever pay off?
China’s Self-Pitying Empire
By David Hutt
The Chinese film "No More Bets," which details the human cost of Southeast Asia-based cyberscam operations, has become a massive hit on the mainland.
Confronting Digital Authoritarianism Through Digital Democracy: Lessons From Taiwan
By Michael Caster
Taiwan bears the brunt of foreign information manipulation from China. In response, it has embraced transparency and civic participation.
With an Eye Toward India, China Bolsters Military Infrastructure Development in Tibet
By Tenzin Younten
A new 80 billion yuan investment in TAR infrastructure is part of Beijing’s long-term strategic design for handling internal and external threats.
Watching Taiwan’s Free Elections, Chinese Internet Users Lament One-Party Rule
By Yaqiu Wang
Quickly censored comments reveal a bitter rejection of Beijing’s official line on the Taiwanese balloting.
China’s Population Falls for a 2nd Straight Year as Births Continue to Drop
By Ken Moritsugu
Even after China scrapped the “one-child policy,” births have dropped for seven straight years.
China’s Big Gamble in the South China Sea
By Hung Tran
Heightened China-Philippines tension around Second Thomas Shoal could escalate to military skirmishes – and that’s a chance Beijing appears willing to take.
China’s Response to the Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea
By Mordechai Chaziza
A complex interplay of economic factors, limited military capabilities, and geopolitical dynamics shape China’s cautious response to the Red Sea crisis.