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.
June 25, 2022
China’s ‘Fragmented Authoritarianism’ During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Zhenze Huang
China’s pandemic response has been heavily mediated by the always-complex relationship between central and local governments.
June 24, 2022
Falling out of Favor: How China Lost the Nordic Countries
By Andreas B. Forsby
In 2016, the Nordic countries were actively seeking to deepen cooperation with China. Today, they are looking instead to limit China's presence and influence. What happened?
June 23, 2022
China’s Political Surveillance System Keeps Growing
By Chauncey Jung
As long feared, China’s COVID-19 measures are being integrated into its architecture of political repression.
June 23, 2022
What ‘Zhong Sheng’ Says About China’s Perceptions of the Ukraine Conflict
By Brandon Valeriano and Juan Garcia-Nieto
What has China communicated -- through the state run Zhong Sheng pen name in the People’s Daily -- about the conflict in Ukraine?
June 22, 2022
From China With Love: Xi’s Birthday Call to Putin
By Hemant Adlakha
The latest Putin-Xi exchange should put to bed any speculation that Beijing is reevaluating its close ties to Moscow.
June 21, 2022
2 Women Still Hospitalized After Brutal Attack in Tangshan
By Associated Press
A horrific assault caught on security camera footage sparked widespread outrage over misogyny and violence against women in China.
June 20, 2022
Hong Kong Is Unrecognizable After 2 Years Under the National Security Law
By Angeli Datt
Five ways the law has deepened authoritarianism in the territory as conditions are set to worsen.
June 19, 2022
The Complex Nationalism of China’s Gen-Z
By Brian Wong
China’s youngest generation is often associated with hyper-nationalism. That oversimplifies their complex, individualized relationships with their country.
June 17, 2022
China’s Diplomatic Campaign Following Russia’s Ukraine Invasion
By Zhuoran Li
China’s diplomatic outreach is more aimed at advancing Beijing’s Indo-Pacific interests than drumming up support for Moscow.
June 16, 2022
How Engaged Was China at the Shangri-La Dialogue?
By Mark S. Cogan
At this year's Dialogue, Chinese officials were strident and defensive – but it's better to have Beijing in than out.
June 15, 2022
As Taiwan Remembers Tiananmen, Hong Kong Looms Large
By Brian Hioe
The annual June 4 rally is now strongly connected to remembrance of Hong Kong's 2019 protest movement -- and the resulting political repression.
June 15, 2022
Should Brazil Ban Huawei?
By Joseph Bouchard
The case for banning the Chinese telecoms firm is compelling, but such a move would carry a steep cost.