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.
Has China’s $1 Trillion Foreign Investment Paid Off?
By Teuku Riefky and Mohamad Dian Revindo
For decades, the Chinese economy has soared. This has allowed mass investment in projects worldwide, but the question remains if it was worth it.
How China’s Battery Complex Figures in Ties With Russia
By Joseph Webster
China’s development of batteries and other clean energy technologies will ultimately constrain Russia’s hydrocarbon complex, complicating ties.
A Changed Hong Kong Is Stamping out Memories of the Tiananmen Square Massacre
By Yaqiu Wang
As the anniversary approached, authorities heaped new charges on a jailed vigil organizer.
Collateral Damage: Slovakia Caught in the China-EU Crossfire
By Martin Sebena
Beijing wants to retaliate against Europe’s investigation into Chinese EV subsidies. An aspiring friend would be the worst hit.
14 Pro-Democracy Activists Convicted, 2 Acquitted in Hong Kong’s Biggest National Security Case
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
Prosecutors had accused them of attempting to paralyze Hong Kong’s government by securing the legislative majority necessary to veto budgets.
Xi Pledges More Gaza Aid and Talks Trade at Summit With Arab Leaders
By Simina Mistreanu and Emily Wang Fujiyama
Besides China's expansive trade ties in the Middle East, it has increasingly sought to play a diplomatic role in the region.
How a Primary Election Led to Hong Kong’s Biggest National Security Case
By Kanis Leung
In 2021, 47 pro-democracy activists were charged under the Beijing-imposed national security law for their involvement in an unofficial primary election. The first verdicts are due this week.
Contrary to Popular Belief, the Putin-Xi Summit Was Not About Ukraine
By Oleg Yanovsky
Instead, the China-Russia talks point to important, longer-term changes to the world architecture.
Despite Protests, Taiwan’s KMT, TPP Pass Controversial Bills to Expand Legislative Powers
By Brian Hioe
Up to 100,000 people turned out in protests against the bills, which will expand the power of Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature.
Xi’s Rare Symposium With Business Leaders Hints at Third Plenum Agenda
By Lizzi C. Lee
President Xi Jinping’s Shandong symposium signaled a pro-reform stance. Yet, talk is cheap – the world needs more to be convinced.
Why Are Taiwanese Youth Protesting Against Legislative Reform?
By Austin Horng-En Wang, Fang-Yu Chen, Charles K. S. Wu, and Yao-Yuan Yeh
Many young Taiwanese voted for the third-party TPP, but now are opposed to its efforts to push through a new reform package.
Striking a Balance: China’s AI Ambitions and the Quest for Safety
By Nick Corvino and Nico Han
Can China’s push for rapid AI development be reconciled with rising calls for safety guardrails?