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 Catches Two Chinese Nationals Arriving by Dinghy
By Nick Aspinwall
At least one Chinese national said he had fled to Taiwan in search of “freedom and democracy,” raising questions about border security and refugee laws.
How Chinese Fans Enforce Chinese Nationalism on the World
By Siru Chen
Chinese fans are quick to call out idols for crossing political red lines -- and those norms are being internalized in the global pop culture industry.
Hong Kong Domestic Workers Decry Mandatory COVID-19 Testing
By Jessie Lau
Activists say the community is being singled out unfairly, a continuation of long-standing discriminatory practices.
Ramadan in China: Faithful Dwindle Under Limits on Religion
By Ken Moritsugu and Dake Kang
The tree-lined paths of the Id Kah Mosque's grounds are tranquil, and it's easy to miss the three surveillance cameras keeping watch over whoever comes in.
Will Easing of Student Visa Restrictions Rekindle China-US Exchanges?
By Eleanor Albert
It's a step in the right direction, but there are still substantial hurdles - both logistical and political - for Chinese students to come to the U.S.
China Is Courting Middle Eastern Nations on Xinjiang
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and M. Habib Pashya
As Western nations impose sanctions on China over its treatment of the Uyghurs, Beijing is reaching out to the Muslim world for support.
China Outlines Its Priorities as UN Security Council President
By Shannon Tiezzi
China's top priority is addressing the crisis within the United Nations itself, the topic of a high-level meeting later this week.
Business Moguls and Chinese (Soft) Power: The ‘Huaren’ of Southeast Asia
By Laura Grunberg
China's rise has come with increased outreach to the diaspora in Southeast Asia - and at times increased headaches for ethnic Chinese.
The Kazakh Herders of Xinjiang
By Sribala Subramanian
Revisiting “Winter Pasture,” an early chronicle of the hardships endured by a Xinjiang-based minority group.
Why Martin Lee’s Arrest Is Such a Worrying Sign
By Jessie Lau
For many, the arrest and conviction of Hong Kong's “father of democracy” signal a cataclysmic shift in the city’s political climate.
As Drought Worsens Chip Shortage, Taiwan Fights Brain Drain to China
By Nick Aspinwall
Taiwan, under pressure to alleviate a global chip shortage, is fighting a drought at home and recruitment of its engineers by Chinese competitors.
China Moves Toward a Permanent Space Presence
By Namrata Goswami
The launch of the first piece of China's space station is a big step toward achieving a long-standing goal.