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’s Political Calculations and Potential Options in Afghanistan
By Jianli Yang
Beijing will approach Afghan affairs – and the Taliban – more cautiously than people think.
China Blames US for Chaos in Afghanistan But Offers Cooperation Toward Stability
By Associated Press
Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his U.S. counterpart that China is willing to help promote the soft landing of the Afghan issue” and avoid “humanitarian disaster.”
In China, ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ Is the Only Accepted Religion
By William Nee
To understand China’s crackdown on religion, we need to look beyond the repression of any single faith.
The Taliban: China’s Deal With the Devil in Afghanistan
By Shannon Tiezzi
The Taliban’s promises cannot be trusted. China knows this, but it has few good options.
Chinese Media’s Conflicting Narratives on the Myanmar Coup
By Diya Jiang and Kristina Kironska
The difference in reporting on the situation in Myanmar between Chinese state media facing international audiences (in English) and Chinese domestic media (in Chinese) reflects the dual political agenda of the Chinese government.
Water With Your Chips? Semiconductors and Water Scarcity in China
By Elizabeth Wishnick
Semiconductors are particularly thirsty.
What’s Behind Lithuania’s Outreach to Taiwan?
By Brian Hioe
After Taiwan announced plans to open a new representative office in Lithuania, China responded by ordering Lithuania to withdraw its ambassador to Beijing.
China’s Insurtech Crackdown: Tech Saga Continues
By Sara Hsu
As if the existing tech crackdown wasn’t sufficient, China just rolled out new regulations for internet insurance companies.
A Struggle for Information Control Between China’s Government and the Tech Giants
By Canghao Chen
The Chinese government risks becoming the primary obstacle to the advancement of the internet industry in China.
China’s Presence in Africa Is at Heart Political
By Thierry Pairault
Beijing’s outreach to Africa is largely driven by the desire for support on the international stage from the continent’s 54 countries.
Canadian Faces Spy Ruling as Huawei Decision Looms
By Joe McDonald
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were detained in China in what critics labeled "hostage politics" in 2018.
China’s Vaccine Diplomacy in Latin America
By Lucie Kneip
Beijing’s vaccines are just one aspect of its increased presence in the region. It’s time for Washington to start paying attention.