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.
Previewing the Chinese Foreign Minister’s Visit to Africa
By Yixin Yu and Ovigwe Eguegu
Wang Yi’s inaugural trip of 2024 will touch on diplomacy, economics, and security issues on the African continent.
Hedging ‘Light’: Italy’s Intermezzo With China’s Belt and Road Initiative
By Elisabetta Nadalutti and Jürgen Rüland
What explains Rome’s brief engagement with the BRI?
The Strategic Implications of China’s ‘Divine Dragon’ Spaceplane
By Namrata Goswami and Peter Garretson
Having inexpensive and reusable space access – China’s goal in developing the Shenlong spaceplane – carries major national security implications.
How China Defines the ‘Global South’
By KAWASHIMA Shin
Beijing tries to make the term its own.
Beijing Tries to Capitalize on Taiwan’s Controversial Rocket Alert
By Sze-Fung Lee
Taiwan issued a national alert following the launch of a satellite from China. Beijing has seized on the controversy to advance its own interests.
What Lies Ahead for Chinese Lending to Africa?
By Trevor Lwere
Despite much talk of a slowdown, there is reason to believe that Chinese loans to African countries will increase in 2024.
‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Pawn’: US-related Narratives Amid Taiwan’s Presidential Election
By Yang Kuang-shun
Tropes attacking Taiwanese politicians for supposedly being alienated from – or being too close to – the U.S. have been common for decades. This election cycle is no exception.
China’s 2024 Priorities Tucked in Xi Jinping’s New Year Speech
By Nick Carraway
The president’s speech has a clear goal of boosting Chinese people’s declining confidence amid the past difficult years.
Why Is Mexico Putting Tariffs on Chinese Imports?
By Juan Pablo Villasmíl and Joseph Bouchard
As bilateral trade hits record-highs, the country may be looking to exercise leverage and improve its terms.
Taiwan’s Presidential and VP Contenders Give Final Campaign Push
By Brian Hioe
With less than two weeks left until the Taiwanese presidential elections, campaigning (and partisan mud-slinging) has kicked into high gear.
The Shakeup in China’s Rocket Force Continues
By Brandon Tran
Corruption investigations have toppled top leaders of the vaunted PLA Rocket Force. But the new replacements are just as interesting as the mysterious departures.
How Should Beijing Engage with the Next Taiwanese Administration?
By Zhuoran Li
Regardless of who wins Taiwan’s January 13 election, Beijing will have a golden opportunity to initiate talks without preconditions.