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, 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.
Property, Prestige, and ‘Common Prosperity’: China’s Real Estate Market in 2021
By Edward Witte
An overheating property market represents a significant threat to economic and social stability in China.
Biden Calls Xi as China-US Relationship Grows More Fraught
By Aamer Madhani and Joe McDonald
Biden initiated the call with Xi, the second between the two leaders since Biden took office, after lower-level exchanges proved unproductive.
Chinese Foreign Minister Begins 3-Nation Tour of Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
The visit will include stops in Vietnam and Singapore, which recently hosted U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Politics of Taiwan’s COVID-19 Response
By Brian Hioe
Taiwan's first real COVID-19 outbreak engendered fierce political debates between the DPP and the KMT.
The Real Cause of China’s Alibaba Crackdown
By Canghao Chen
Political intrigue? Personal grudges? There's a more basic cause for Alibaba's ill fortune: The company threatens China's monetary authority.
The US Still Doesn’t Understand China’s Strategy in Latin America
By Thiago de Aragao
It's not that China understands Latin America better than the U.S. Rather, China has a pragmatic approach that fits the profile of Latin American governments and leaders.
What Is The Goal Of Beijing’s New Stock Exchange?
By Jesse Turland
China says the new bourse will invigorate Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Some observers argue it forms part of a plan to bring firms listed abroad back to China.
China’s Crackdown on Private Equity Funds
By Sara Hsu
The private equity fund industry posed serious enough financial risks that additional oversight was necessary.
In China, Kerry Faces Uphill Battle for Climate Change Cooperation
By Shannon Tiezzi
While Kerry remained focus on climate issues, his Chinese hosts kept redirecting the conversation to broader tensions in the relationship.