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.
The Tragedy of Taiwan’s ‘Recall Revenge’
By Lev Nachman and Brian Hioe
The goal of Taiwan’s recall and referendum reforms was to empower civil society against entrenched politicians. The result has been the exact opposite.
China Rejects WHO Call for More Transparency on Origins Probe
By Shannon Tiezzi
China’s Foreign Ministry bluntly rejected the WHO’s call for China to be more cooperative with investigations into COVID-19’s origins.
What Cultured Meat Can Tell Us About China
By Bonnie Girard
A new survey on a niche product provides a window into changing attitudes, and even has implications for Chinese national security.
Where Does China’s Digital Currency Stand?
By Edward Lehman and Jed Rothstein
The eCNY continues to be a trailblazer as a central bank-backed digital currency, even if it’s not quite ready for its full debut.
Report: China Plans BioNTech Booster for Its Population
By Shannon Tiezzi
The report from Caixin comes as the efficacy of homegrown vaccines from Sinopharm and Sinovac continue to be questioned.
WHO Chief Says It Was ‘Premature’ to Rule out COVID Lab Leak
By Frank Jordans and Maria Cheng
Tedros also made a rare public criticism of China, directly asking Beijing to “to be transparent, open and cooperate” with the WHO investigation.
Some Chinese Shun Grueling Careers for ‘Low-Desire Life’
By Joe McDonald and Fu Ting
The “lie flat” trend provides some young Chinese with escape from the grueling pressures of school, work, and family responsibilities.
At the Nexus of Military-Civil Fusion and Technological Innovation in China
By Audrey Fritz
The interdependence of China’s innovation strategy with its military-civil fusion system enables it to leverage the global research and networks of the country’s own companies and universities.
China’s Afghanistan Gambit
By Barbara Kelemen
The pace of the Taliban’s military advancement on the eve of the U.S. pullout not only stokes worries of regional spillover, but also shines a spotlight on China.
What to Expect From China’s New Anti-Sanctions Law
By Edward Lehman and Jed Rothstein
The law is vague enough to allow China maximum flexibility in implementation.
China’s 709 Crackdown Is Still Going On
By William Nee
Since the mass arrests on July 9, 2015, the Chinese government has never eased up on its pressure against human rights lawyers.
How Are Taiwan’s Diplomatic Allies Faring in the Great Vaccine Race?
By Shannon Tiezzi
With China as a major world supplier of vaccines, is recognizing Taiwan a handicap in the rush to procure shots?