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 Misconceptions at the Heart of the US-China Trade War
By Bonnie Girard
Talks won't do much good unless both sides come to understand how their opponent thinks about the issues.
How China Is Polarized by America
By Xie Tao
Chinese elites are sharply divided in their thinking on the trade war — and China-U.S. relations in general.
Taiwan’s Growing Diplomatic Isolation
By Shin Kawashima
The number of countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan continues to dwindle.
Days After Tsai Ing-wen Wraps Up Houston Stopover, Taiwan Loses Another Ally to China
By Charlotte Gao
Cutting ties with Taiwan, the Republic of El Salvador established diplomatic relations with China.
Is China Increasing Its Military Presence in Syria?
By Logan Pauley and Jesse Marks
Parsing China's current -- and future -- involvement in the Syrian conflict.
China’s ‘New Type of Party System’: A ‘Multiparty’ System for Foreign Consumption?
By Julia Bowie and Nathanael Callan
The CCP rebrands China’s political party system for external propaganda.
To Encourage More Births, Chinese Specialists Propose Birth Fund, Childless Tax
By Charlotte Gao
The proposals triggered a large wave of criticism and sarcasm online.
Xinjiang and the Stability Paradox
By Stefanie Kam
China's crackdown in Xinjiang might be more about impressing the Han than responding to a Uyghur threat.
China’s Europe Policy Poses a Challenge to EU Cohesion
By Jan Weidenfeld
China used to be a strong proponent of a stable and unified Europe, but recent moves hint that Beijing’s priorities have changed.
China Takes Revenge for Tsai Ing-wen's US Trip – Via a Taiwanese Cafe Chain
By Charlotte Gao
Soon after Tsai completed her hig-profile stopover in the U.S., the chain was accused of “supporting Taiwan’s independence.”
Zhengzhou and Luxembourg: An Improbable Partnership
By Bonnie Girard
How the Belt and Road is playing out in one rural Chinese province's links to Europe.
Chinese Experts Challenge Western Generalists in Diplomacy
By Sabine Mokry
Despite potential quality problems, China’s diplomatic corps has a key advantage: a strong focus on regional experience.