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.
Comparing China’s Engagement in Africa and Latin America
By R. Evan Ellis
There are substantial commonalities in Beijing’s engagement between the two regions, but also differences that provide insights into how China-based entities make, and adapt, policies.
The Xi-Putin Meeting: A United Front, But Troubles on the Horizon
By Joseph Webster
The leaders of China and Russia defiantly stood shoulder-to-shoulder even as Chinese renewables pose major risks to the bilateral relationship.
How China Is Remaking the Belt and Road
By Shannon Tiezzi
Key takeaways from the third Belt and Road Forum for the future of the global initiative.
Is This the End of Ideology in Taiwanese Politics?
By Julia Marinaccio
Ideology does not guide the 2024 presidential candidates’ policies on cross-strait and international relations. Yet party dynamics will inform how candidates would manage these relations if victorious.
Which World Leaders Came to China’s 3rd Belt and Road Forum?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Top-level representation dropped to a new low, based largely on a lack of interest from European states.
Putin Begins First Visit to China Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
By Christopher Bodeen
The Russian president joins dozens of foreign leaders at China’s Belt and Road Forum.
China’s Attitude Toward the Israel-Gaza War
By Hongda Fan
China's position on the current conflict, and the Israel-Palestine issue more broadly, is not unusual. So why is it attracting so much attention?
Nobody Enjoys Celebrating ‘Taiwan National Day’
By Hiro Fu
A political row over the title of this year's National Day event has as much to do with the history of Taiwan’s political parties as their approaches to the cross-strait status quo.
As Belt and Road Forum Convenes, Time to Rethink Narratives on China’s Economic Coercion
By Matt Ferchen
The problem with all this focus on Chinese economic coercion, and the related anxieties about its ability to weaponize trade, is that China hasn’t been particularly good at it.
Foreign Suspect Arrested After Employee at Israel’s Embassy in China Was Stabbed
By Ken Moritsugu and Jon Gambrell
No motive was given for the incident, which occurred on a street in Beijing. It was unclear if the attack was connected to the war between Israel and Hamas.
The First Casualties of US Hardening Toward China
By Zhao Wencai
Chinese people who staked their livelihoods on cooperation with America have been the first to suffer from the increase in tensions.
The Chinese Public Is Closely Watching the Israel-Hamas War
By Mu Chunshan
Social media posts reveal intense interest, as well as major information gaps.