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.
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?
China’s ‘People-to-People’ Diplomacy Targets the Global South
By César Eduardo Santos
Engagements with media, think tanks, and academia form an essential – but often overlooked – element of China's foreign policy.
Biden, Xi Reflect on Evolutions in China-US Relations in Their Final Meeting
By Shannon Tiezzi
With a presidential transition underway in the United States, both presidents stressed the value of stability in the relationship.
What Does Taiwan Think About Trump 2.0?
By Brian Hioe
Taiwan hopes to keep ties with the U.S. stable, and Trump's slate of appointees is a mixed bag in that regard.
Does China Have a New European Ally in Slovakia’s Prime Minister?
By Matej Šimalčík and Filip Šebok
Robert Fico’s trip to China had underwhelming economic outcomes, yet it brought Bratislava into much closer political alignment with Beijing.
China Is Recalculating Its Middle East Policy
By Tommy Steiner
Iran experiences diplomatic distancing with Chinese characteristics.
How Will China React to Donald Trump’s Second Term?
By Brian Wong
Parsing Trump’s China policy – and China’s likely response.
The Inner Workings of a Chinese Embassy
By Zhuoran Li
Few things illustrate the fragmentation of Chinese foreign policy better than the operation of the country's embassies overseas.
Taiwan’s Struggle to Retain Diplomatic Allies
By Huynh Tam Sang and Truong Tuan Kiet
Taiwan hopes to hold on to its 12 diplomatic allies with technological incentives and diplomatic engagement. But China’s economic power and internal politics among Taiwan’s allies make this far more difficult.
China Unveils $1.7 Trillion Package to Address Mounting Local Debt Woes
By Lizzi C. Lee
Despite comprehensive plans, market skepticism persists amid limited consumer stimulus and lingering long-term fiscal challenges.
The UK Carves Its Own Path on China
By James Jennion
The new government should be careful in determining whether the rewards of a friendlier approach to China truly outweigh the risks.