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.
14 Pro-Democracy Activists Convicted, 2 Acquitted in Hong Kong’s Biggest National Security Case
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
Prosecutors had accused them of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government by securing the legislative majority necessary to veto budgets.
Xi Pledges More Gaza Aid and Talks Trade at Summit With Arab Leaders
By Simina Mistreanu and Emily Wang Fujiyama
Besides China's expansive trade ties in the Middle East, it has increasingly sought to play a diplomatic role in the region.
How a Primary Election Led to Hong Kong’s Biggest National Security Case
By Kanis Leung
In 2021, 47 pro-democracy activists were charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. The first verdicts are due this week.
Contrary to Popular Belief, the Putin-Xi Summit Was Not About Ukraine
By Oleg Yanovsky
Instead, the China-Russia talks point to important, longer-term changes to the world architecture.
Despite Protests, Taiwan’s KMT, TPP Pass Controversial Bills to Expand Legislative Powers
By Brian Hioe
Up to 100,000 people turned out in protests against the bills, which will expand the power of Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature.
Xi’s Rare Symposium With Business Leaders Hints at Third Plenum Agenda
By Lizzi C. Lee
President Xi Jinping’s Shandong symposium signaled a pro-reform stance. Yet, talk is cheap – the world needs more to be convinced.
Deconstructing China’s Interest in the Niger-Benin Rapprochement
By Samir Bhattacharya
Beijing’s motivations concerning the conflict resolution in Niger include a mix of economic, political and reputational drivers.
Why Are Taiwanese Youth Protesting Against Legislative Reform?
By Austin Horng-En Wang, Fang-Yu Chen, Charles K. S. Wu, and Yao-Yuan Yeh
Many young Taiwanese voted for the third-party TPP, but now are opposed to its efforts to push through a new reform package.
Striking a Balance: China’s AI Ambitions and the Quest for Safety
By Nick Corvino and Nico Han
Can China’s push for rapid AI development be reconciled with rising calls for safety guardrails?
Georgia’s Tacit Pivot to China
By Ketevan Chincharadze
China emerges as the Georgian government’s prudent alternative to Russia and the West as it deals with civil upheaval over the alleged pro-Russian “foreign agents” bill.
Vatican Makes Fresh Overture to China, Reaffirms That Catholic Church Is No Threat to Sovereignty
By Nicole Winfield
The Vatican hosted the head of China’s bishops conference for an unprecedented, high-level commemoration of a 1924 meeting in Shanghai.
Tens of Thousands Protest Bill to Expand Legislative Power in Taiwan
By Brian Hioe
A move by the KMT and its ally, the TPP, to quickly pass the controversial bill sparked an angry response reminiscent of the 2014 Sunflower Movement.