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 Sharply Reduces Elected Seats in Hong Kong Legislature
By Zen Soo and Ken Moritsugu
Under the newly revamped electoral system, only 20 of the Legislative Council’s 90 seats will be directly elected.
As the Government Pulls Back, China’s Boycott Against International Brands Loses Steam
By Jo Kim
While China’s efforts to name and shame foreign brands sometimes work, more often than not, brands and businesses simply have to wait out the nationalist outcry.
What’s in the China-Iran Strategic Cooperation Agreement?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Despite the fanfare surrounding the 25-year deal, details are scarce. Is this much ado about nothing?
Beijing Is Getting Better at Disinformation on Global Social Media
By Sarah Cook
Its networks are resisting takedown efforts and gaining traction among real users.
Paraguay Says Chinese Brokers Offered Vaccines for Diplomatic Recognition
By Nick Aspinwall
Paraguay’s foreign ministry said brokers offered doses of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines in exchange for the country breaking its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
China Is Evolving a Distinct Space Culture
By Molly Silk
With all eyes on the development of China’s space technologies, one vital area has been overlooked: the swelling wave of a unique Chinese “space culture.”
Debunking 3 Myths About Chinese Investment in Malaysia
By Xianbai Ji , Chen Li, and Guanie Lim
A close examination of two flagship BRI-related infrastructure projects in Malaysia reveals the complex reality of China’s financial statecraft.
Joint Xinjiang Sanctions Widen Rift in China’s Ties With the West
By Jessie Lau
The European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada rolled out coordinated sanctions, and Beijing hit back in a “disproportionate” response.
China’s EU Sanctions Are the Latest Proof: Beijing Doesn’t Understand Democracies
By Andreea Brînză
Once again, Beijing has misunderstood the functioning of democratic institutions. It’s part of a long-standing pattern of missteps.
China’s Foreign Minister Heads to the Middle East
By Shannon Tiezzi
Wang Yi's six-country tour highlights the region's expanding importance for China.
China Bashes US Over Racism, Inequality, Pandemic Response
By Ken Moritsugu
Beijing’s annual report on U.S. human rights violations took aim at systemic racial and economic inequality, among other issues.
The Logic of China’s Vaccine Diplomacy
By Ivana Karásková and Veronika Blablová
An in-depth look at where China's vaccines are going hints at the motivations behind the campaign.