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.
Contemporary Art and Soft Power: Lessons From Southern China
By Laura Grunberg
Local governments emphasize modern art museums in a quest to attract visitors. But this may actually hurt organic art creation.
China’s Top News Apps Fall Victim to Government Ban — Again
By Charlotte Gao
China’s regulators order permanent removal or complete cleanup of these apps for improper content.
Chinese President Announces Detailed Plans to Further Open Market
By Charlotte Gao
This is an apparent concessional response to Trump’s trade policy, even though Beijing won’t admit it.
China, Russia 'Show Americans' Their Close Relationship
By Shannon Tiezzi
Twin visits to Russia by China's foreign and defense ministers send a clear signal of China-Russia cooperation.
Xiong’an New Area: 1,000 Years of Government Intervention
By Zhang Ling
1,000 years before Xi Jinping proclaimed the Xiong'an New Area, the Northern Song Dynasty turned the area into a swamp.
Thailand's Kra Canal: China's Way Around the Malacca Strait
By Rhea Menon
A 200-year-old dream might finally become a reality under China's Belt and Road.
Imperfect Democracy: The Way for Marriage Equality in Taiwan
By Zoe Leung
Will Civil Code amendments or new legislation best serve the rights of same-sex couples in Taiwan?
Trade Wars: China Strikes Back
By Shannon Tiezzi
China unveils tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. imports, mirroring the Trump administration's penalties on Chinese goods.
China’s Hardened Stance on Hong Kong and Taiwan
By Johan Englund
Dark days are ahead for Hong Kong and Taiwan as Beijing's hardline strategy continues.
US-China Trade 'Battles' Have Started
By Charlotte Gao
Although the U.S. and China are imposing tit-for-tat tariffs now, the chance of resolving the dispute is still high.
China Renews 'All Weather Friendship' With Zimbabwe's New President
By Shannon Tiezzi
Beijing pivoted quickly to embrace Mugabe's successor, and now welcomes President Mnangagwa for a state visit.
China's Flawed Model for Peace
By Manoj Kewalramani
Xi promised to provide “Chinese solutions” to world problems, but its strategy for managing conflict has serious flaws.