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.
Changing Cadre Incentives: The Untold Story of China’s Economic Challenge
By Zhuoran Li
Changes in the local cadre incentive structure are a crucial yet often overlooked factor in the performance of the Chinese economy.
China’s G20 Agenda and Its Effect on Multilateralism: The Emerging Global South
By Aparna Divya
Xi Jinping made several important declarations during the summit that both subverted the established power structures in global governance and reaffirmed China’s role as the voice of the Global South.
Should China Be Worried About the Biden Administration’s Growing Africa Engagement?
By Muhammad Murad
Growing U.S. engagement with Africa, epitomized by the Lobito Corridor, is deemed a counterbalance to China’s influence. However, China’s engagement with African countries cannot be overturned so easily.
Between Trump and China: Will Hungary’s Orbán Manage a Balancing Act?
By Sebestyén Hompot
There seems to be a clear contradiction between being pro-Beijing and pro-Trump. How will the Orbán government manage this?
China Deepens Its Engagement With Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan
By Ghulam Ali
China has vastly increased economic engagement with Afghanistan as it eyes a new node in the Belt and Road Initiative.
European Business Confronts China Head On
By Bonnie Girard
European companies are more bold in addressing the Chinese government with difficult issues than many of the elected leaders of Europe.
Lai Ching-te and the ‘Republic of China’ and ‘Motherland’ Theories
By KAWASHIMA Shin
What’s in a name? A political edge perhaps.
China’s Summit Diplomacy: Insights From BRICS, APEC and the G20
By R. Evan Ellis
Xi Jinping and his government have been remarkably vague regarding the international agenda China publicly promotes.
From the Taipei Dome to Premier12 Champions: Taiwan’s Baseball Renaissance
By Jing Bo-jiun
Taiwan’s historic victory over Samurai Japan in the international tournament capped a wave of momentum for its national pastime.
India and China: A Thaw in the Making?
By Shaheli Das
A spurt in high-level meetings has changed the mood in China-India diplomacy, but there are reasons for India to remain skeptical.
Why Did Iraq Suspend a $10 Billion Deal With China?
By Ameer Al-Auqaili
The decision to stall a massive oil-for-infrastructure agreement marks a turning point in Middle East power dynamics.
Thinking About China’s Military Exercises Near Taiwan
By KAWASHIMA Shin
What does Beijing hope to achieve?