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.
Misreading China’s Third Plenum
By Lizzi C. Lee
Initial reactions miss the point of the communique. It is not designed to deliver instant solutions but to outline a comprehensive strategy.
China-Pakistan Relations Are at a Crossroads
By Marcus Andreopoulos
Beijing is waiting to see if new security measures are successful – and if its business in Pakistan can resume as normal.
As Constitutional Challenge Advances, KMT Previews Its Use of Controversial New Legislative Powers
By Brian Hioe
At least two investigative committees have now been convened using the new powers, highlighting issues the KMT has long complained about.
China’s Third Plenum Embraces a ‘New Development Philosophy’
By Shannon Tiezzi
The long-awaited economic-focused meeting of the CCP’s governing body emphasized Beijing’s commitment to growth centered on technology – and CCP control.
Does Vietnam and Bangladesh’s Cheap Labor Threaten ‘Made in China’ Textiles?
By Andey Ng
Despite rising labor costs and less enthusiasm for factory jobs, e-commerce and domestic consumption provide a future growth model for the massive textile industry in China.
China Has an Opportunity to Grow Its Military Influence in Niger
By Hugh Harsono
The withdrawal of U.S. and French military forces from Niger presents a unique opportunity for China to expand its military influence in the region.
China’s Third Plenum Shines Light on Center-Local Fiscal Challenges
By Jennifer Lee
China watchers should temper their expectations and anticipate incremental changes building off of existing policy rather than deep reform.
Finance is No Longer the Darling Career in Xi Jinping’s New Economic Order
By Lizzi C. Lee
As China shifts its focus from finance to technology, the ripple effects are profound and far-reaching.
China and 22 Arab Countries Reach Consensus on Gaza Ceasefire and Further Cooperation
By Nick Carraway
China is one of the few geopolitically prominent countries that has managed to maintain good relations with Israel, Palestine, and the wider Muslim world.
The Manner Coffee Case: Trending Terms, Income Inequality, and China’s Private Sector
By Gavin Hsu
A recent Baidu trending search term reveals Beijing’s continued efforts to suppress the private sector.
Is $20 Billion by 2030 Realistic? Evaluating China-Africa Agricultural Trade Ambitions
By Sena Voncujovi
Achieving the target requires more than doubling the current $9 billion in agricultural exports from Africa to China. This is ambitious, but attainable with strategic efforts.
What Did Chinese Analysts Think of the Kim-Putin Summit in Pyongyang?
By Hemant Adlakha
Commentators in China have very different takeaways from the Kim-Putin embrace in Pyongyang than their counterparts in the U.S.