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.
Why China Isn’t Ready (Yet) to Mediate a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal
By Andrew Devine
Even though it is in China’s interest to lead a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the benefit of waiting for the strategically optimal time outweighs the potential risks.
China Mediates a New Era of Palestinian Unity
By Mohamad Zreik
After talks in Beijing, Fatah, Hamas, and other factions have agreed to form a unified government representing Palestine.
What the Third Plenum Means for China’s Decarbonization Effort
By Chris Hankin
As the share of renewables grows, China is shifting from controlling energy consumption to controlling carbon emissions specifically.
China: A Silent Ally Protecting Venezuela’s Maduro
By Carlos Eduardo Piña
The unconditional political, diplomatic and economic support offered by Beijing has been key to keeping the Bolivarian regime in power, from Chavez to Maduro.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Seeks ‘Common Ground’ With China in Talks on Ending War With Russia
By Ken Moritsugu
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is making his first visit to China since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
China’s Third Plenum Offers Little Hope for a Flagging Economy
By Donald Low
The Third Plenum outcome suggests a mismatch between what the Chinese economy needs to recover quickly and what policymakers are prepared to deliver.
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.