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.
Deconstructing China’s Interest in the Niger-Benin Rapprochement
By Samir Bhattacharya
Beijing’s motivations concerning the conflict resolution in Niger include a mix of economic, political and reputational drivers.
Georgia’s Tacit Pivot to China
By Ketevan Chincharadze
China emerges as the Georgian government’s prudent alternative to Russia and the West as it deals with civil upheaval over the alleged pro-Russian “foreign agents” bill.
Vatican Makes Fresh Overture to China, Reaffirms That Catholic Church Is No Threat to Sovereignty
By Nicole Winfield
The Vatican hosted the head of China’s bishops conference for an unprecedented, high-level commemoration of a 1924 meeting in Shanghai.
Tens of Thousands Protest Bill to Expand Legislative Power in Taiwan
By Brian Hioe
A move by the KMT and its ally, the TPP, to quickly pass the controversial bill sparked an angry response reminiscent of the 2014 Sunflower Movement.
Putin’s China Visit: As Moscow Eyes Mars, Beijing Wants Beans
By Ladislav Charouz
Russia and China both see advantages in deepening their partnership but mismatches in their priorities persist.
With Lai Ching-te Inauguration, Taiwan Has a New President
By Brian Hioe
Lai’s inaugural address was consistent with his pro-status quo platform on cross-strait relations. Domestic politics could pose a more immediate flashpoint, however.
In China, Russia’s Putin Emphasizes Strategic and Personal Ties
By Huizhong Wu and Emily Wang Fujiyama
Putin's visit underscored China and Russia's coordination to push forward an “emerging multipolar world.”
Why Xi’s Europe Tour Was Seen Positively in Moscow
By Oleg Yanovsky
Russia benefited from China’s successful shuttle diplomacy both in practical ways and because it fit into Moscow’s grand vision for world affairs.
Xi Jinping’s Europe Diplomacy Stalemate
By Chauncey Jung
China has seen very few positive signs in its recent diplomatic engagements with the EU, and key EU members such as France and Germany.
Can Taiwan Block Telegram?
By Charles Mok
Taiwan, like many other liberal democracies, is grappling with the question of how to deal with illegal content on internet platforms.
China’s NATO Anxiety
By Matti Puranen
China sees NATO as an important component of U.S.-led “bloc confrontation” – which it views as a strategy of weaving webs of international coalitions to contain China’s rise.
Independent Trade Unions’ Diminished Voice Threatens Labor Rights in Hong Kong
By Christopher Siu-tat Mung
Under the government’s strict control, independent unions have been devastated, labor protests are prohibited, and opposition to the government’s labor policies has become rare.