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.
April 03, 2021
51 Dead in Taiwan’s Deadliest Train Accident
By Ralph Jennings and Johnson Lai
A train hit a truck that slid onto the track in Hualien county, leaving over 50 dead and more than 100 injured.
April 03, 2021
China Is Changing Serbia From the Inside
By Wawa Wang and Nils Resare
The gradual weakening of legal requirements for Chinese investments in Serbia is of real concern.
April 02, 2021
Taiwan Begins Slow Early Rollout of AstraZeneca Vaccines
By Nick Aspinwall
The country, which has been a model in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, has turned its focus to getting its population vaccinated.
April 01, 2021
Growing Duality: Polish Opinions on China and Why They Matter
By Alicja Bachulska and Krzysztof Iwanek
A recent survey suggests that that Poles are becoming increasingly skeptical about China.
April 01, 2021
US Ambassador Makes First Visit to Taiwan in More Than 40 Years
By Eleanor Albert
A visit from Palau’s president also highlighted a milestone for Taiwan-U.S. relations.
April 01, 2021
WHO’s COVID-19 Origin Report Leaves Everyone Unsatisfied
By Shannon Tiezzi
The U.S. led its allies in issuing a statement of concern, while China attempted to push back on pointed comments from the WHO’s director general.
March 31, 2021
Despite Sanctions Tiff, It’s Business as Usual for European Firms in China
By Bonnie Girard
China’s dramatic response at the political level has not impacted its courtship of European businesses.
March 31, 2021
Less Democracy, More ‘Patriots’: Hong Kong’s New Electoral System
By Jessie Lau
The most significant government reforms since the city’s handover in 1997 consolidate Beijing's control over Hong Kong's government.
March 31, 2021
China Sharply Reduces Elected Seats in Hong Kong Legislature
By Zen Soo and Ken Moritsugu
Under the newly revamped electoral system, only 20 of the Legislative Council’s 90 seats will be directly elected.
March 30, 2021
As the Government Pulls Back, China’s Boycott Against International Brands Loses Steam
By Jo Kim
While China’s efforts to name and shame foreign brands sometimes work, more often than not, brands and businesses simply have to wait out the nationalist outcry.
March 30, 2021
What’s in the China-Iran Strategic Cooperation Agreement?
By Shannon Tiezzi
Despite the fanfare surrounding the 25-year deal, details are scarce. Is this much ado about nothing?
March 30, 2021
Beijing Is Getting Better at Disinformation on Global Social Media
By Sarah Cook
Its networks are resisting takedown efforts and gaining traction among real users.