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.
How Do Media Organizations Define Taiwan?
By Ben Alperstein
Country, island, or something in between – the question of how to refer to Taiwan in print is a vexed one for many media outlets
Is China Furthering Its Purge of the Defense Industry? Here’s What to Watch.
By K. Tristan Tang
Two key defense industry officials were absent from a political gathering. Is another purge underway?
Trump or Harris? Debate in China Heats up
By Hemant Adlakha
Officially, China has no preference in the U.S. presidential race. But both analysts and social media are increasingly rooting for Trump. Here’s why.
Finland’s Tightrope Diplomacy: Stubb’s China Visit Navigates New Security and Trade Realities
By Hermann Aubié and Wei Shen
While in China, Finland's President Alexander Stubb affirmed bilateral trade interests without compromising Finland’s broader strategic priorities.
The Geopolitics of the Renewed Sino-Vatican Deal
By Matthew J. Santucci
China and the Vatican recently renewed their agreement on bishop appointments, this time for four years. What does that mean for the Catholic Church in China – and for Taiwan?
Taiwan’s Constitutional Court Strikes Down Much of Legislature’s Controversial New Powers
By Brian Hioe
The KMT-backed bill to provide the Legislative Yuan with new powers of investigation sparked mass protests earlier this year.
Taiwanese Business’ Mistreatment of Chinese Workers Intensifies Anti-Taiwan Sentiment in China
By Li Qiang
Chinese laborers who have worked for Taiwanese companies are more likely to express dissatisfaction with Taiwan, especially on issues like Taiwan independence.
BRICS Members Should Heed Lessons From China’s ‘16+1’ Platform
By Justyna Szczudlik
BRICS is a particularly prominent example of the nature of Chinese-led multilateralism.
Climate Disinformation Is Compromising Taiwan’s Efforts in Defending Democracy
By Elena Yi-Ching Ho
While disinformation – largely from the CCP – is widely recognized as a challenge for Taiwan, the exploitation of climate change skepticism adds a new facet to the issue.
Taiwan’s Shrinking Footprint in Africa Amid Chinese Pressure
By Samir Bhattacharya
South Africa recently told Taiwan to move its unofficial embassy from Pretoria to Johannesburg.
The US Risks Losing to China in the Race to Send People Back to the Moon’s Surface
By Jacco van Loon
The U.S. lunar program is delayed, while China has pledged to put astronauts on the Moon by 2030 – and it has a habit of sticking to timelines.
China Tries to Blot out Tibetan Criticism of Mining Firm’s Damage to the Environment
By Duncan Bartlett
Tsowo Tsering says sand mining is disrupting his community and endangers the international water supply. His supporters fear he risks jail for speaking out online.