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.
November 30, 2022
Shanghai Protests, But Not Too Far
By Bonnie Girard
China’s middle class has rarely taken part in political activism over the past 30 years. They are now voicing their discontent – to a point.
November 29, 2022
Cross-Strait Relations After the 2022 Midterm Election in Taiwan
By Charles K. S. Wu, Austin Horng-En Wang, Yao-Yuan Yeh, and Fang-Yu Chen
Going forward, this election will have a number of critical implications for Taiwan’s security.
November 29, 2022
The Real Importance of China’s ‘Zero COVID’ Protests
By Shannon Tiezzi
“In China, everyone is one step from becoming a dissident” – and zero COVID has pushed many to make that final step.
November 29, 2022
China Virus Protests Hit Hong Kong After Mainland Rallies
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
In the biggest protests in over a year, around 100 Hong Kongers showed their support for protesters in mainland cities.
November 28, 2022
Once Again, KMT Scores Big in Taiwan’s Local Elections
By Brian Hioe
In many ways, the election results maintained the status quo of pan-Blue dominance over local politics, rather than a dramatic return to form for the KMT.
November 28, 2022
Crowd Angered by COVID-19 Lockdowns Calls for China’s Xi to Step Down
By Dave Kang and Huizhong Wu
"You cannot compare it to any other country," one protester said. "We have to find a way out."
November 24, 2022
Protesting Workers Beaten at Chinese iPhone Factory
By Joe McDonald and Zen Soo
New workers at a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou are protesting that the company changed the terms of their work agreements.
November 23, 2022
Space and Technology Were Big Winners at China’s 20th Party Congress
By Namrata Goswami
China’s top leadership changes reflect the prioritization of space, science, and technology.
November 23, 2022
China Anti-virus Curbs Spur Fears of Global Economic Impact
By Joe McDonald
Changes in China's anti-virus controls may be a step toward lifting controls, but "zero COVID" might stay in place until as late as the second half of next year.
November 23, 2022
Did Costa Rica’s Decision to Recognize China Pay Off?
By Nohelia Rivera-Matias
15 years after Costa Rica became the first Central American state to switch recognition from Taiwan, has San Jose capitalized on the change?
November 22, 2022
China’s Interference in Canada’s Elections
By Chauncey Jung
Allegations of election interference are the latest issue to sour Canada on Beijing.
November 22, 2022
China’s Guangzhou Locks Down Millions in ‘Zero-COVID’ Fight
By Huizhong Wu
Recent outbreaks are testing China’s attempt to bring a more targeted approach to its zero-COVID policies.