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.
Does Guinea’s Coup Matter to China?
By Ovigwe Eguegu
While its bauxite and iron ore deposits make Guinea important to China, context is everything.
China’s ‘Standards 2035’ Project Could Result in a Technological Cold War
By Arjun Gargeyas
The repercussions of the Chinese plan will create blocs of influence, each following separate technical standards governing emerging and critical technologies
Will China Actually Join the CPTPP?
By Shannon Tiezzi
China's membership bid has symbolic value, but it's highly unlikely that Beijing will meet the CPTPP's standards.
Rural Affairs Specialist Han Jun Likely to Ascend to Vice Premier in 2022
By Tristan Kenderdine
Han Jun’s elevation to Jilin governor puts this rural policy careerist in strong contention for one of four State Council vice premier positions in 2022.
‘Red Roulette’: Tell-All Book Reveals the Dark Underbelly of China’s Gilded Age
By Lizzi C. Lee
Beneath Desmond Shum’s deeply personal memoir about corruption and wealth, we can glimpse the profound political and economic tectonic shifts that foreshadowed Xi Jinping’s second term of office.
Understanding China’s Draft Algorithm Regulations
By Sapni G K and Mihir Mahajan
China’s restrictions on recommendation algorithms fill a gap in global regulations. Not coincidentally, though, they also serve to extend Chinese state control over internet-based services.
China’s Foreign Minister Holds Talks in South Korea
By Shannon Tiezzi
Seoul wants to secure Beijing's cooperation on North Korea, but Wang Yi's top priority is ensuring South Korea does not join the U.S. coalition against China.
Pay Attention to the KMT’s Chair Election
By David G. Brown
The coming election may set the future course for the KMT, currently Taiwan’s main opposition party.
Is the CCP About to Rehabilitate the Cultural Revolution?
By Jesse Turland
The official historical narrative – as defined by Xi Jinping – is set to feature prominently at the CCP plenum in November.
China, Afghanistan, and the Belt and Road Initiative: Diplomacy and Reality
By Magnus Marsden
China will face a number of difficulties in implementing the BRI in Afghanistan.
Beijing Court Rules Against Woman in China #MeToo Case
By Huizhong Wu and Sam McNeil
After three years of waiting, Zhou Xiaoxuan lost her case against a CCTV host accused of harassing her.
The Logic and Limitation of China’s Zero-COVID Policy
By Zhuoran Li
China’s strategy of mass mobilization can be astonishingly effective – but only for a short period of time.