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.
How Does China’s Military View India?
By Adhiraaj Anand
The PLA views India’s growing military cooperation with the United States with some concern but generally does not consider India a major threat.
China’s AUKUS Response Highlights Beijing’s Bunker Mentality
By Bonnie Girard
Beijing seems completely unwilling – or unable – to consider its own actions might be feeding the “China containment” push.
Coal Shortages Force Blackouts Across China
By Jesse Turland
Trade wars on the international front and mine shutdowns at home have squeezed stocks of China’s main energy source, coal, triggering nation-wide blackouts.
Western Investors Are Divided on Buying Chinese Assets, With Good Reason
By Sara Hsu
Two related issues are plaguing investors: debt risks for Chinese firms and the uncertainty as to if, when, and how China will regulate particular sectors.
China: 2 Canadians in Prisoner Swap Freed for Health Reasons
By Huizhong Wu
Beijing kept up its narrative that the arrests of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – and their releases – were not linked to Meng Wanzhou’s arrest in Canada.
Eric Chu Wins KMT Chair Election
By Brian Hioe
KMT stalwart Chu won handily in the end, but the challenge posed by deep-Blue candidate Chang Ya-chung is notable.
Huawei Executive Resolves Criminal Charges in Deal With US
By Eric Tucker and Jim Mustian
The deferred prosecution agreement paves the way for Meng Wanzhou to be released in a case that has roiled China’s relationships with both Canada and the U.S.
China Aiding Myanmar Armed Groups in Their COVID-19 Fight
By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing has long maintained close relations to the ethnic armed groups lying along its borders with Myanmar.
China’s Xi, Like Biden Hours Earlier, Turns to Calm Language in UN Remarks
By Ted Anthony
In a pre-recorded speech, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to “dialogue and cooperation” and refrained from criticizing the U.S. by name.
Taiwan Applies for CPTPP Membership
By Shannon Tiezzi
Taiwan is a natural fit for the CPTPP in economic terms, but its bid will likely face intense opposition from China.
Don’t Count China Out of the CPTPP
By Joseph Cash
The now-frozen trade deal with the EU shows China can be willing to push the boundaries of reform into areas that might surprise observers.
China Keeps Virus at Bay at High Cost Ahead of Olympics
By Joe McDonald and Huizhong Wu
China’s “zero tolerance” strategy of trying to isolate every case and stop transmission has succeeded in keeping COVID-19 at bay – but at a steep price.