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.
China Cracks Down on Tibetan Protest Against a Hydropower Project in Dege
By Dechen Palmo and Tsering Samdup
China’s cascade dam project on the Drichu, the upper Yangtze River, sparked discontent among the local population.
Why Canceling China’s Annual Premier Press Conference Matters
By Chauncey Jung
The content of the annual press conferences largely stuck to pre-determined questions and scripted replies. But at times, it provided rare moments of honesty.
China’s Two Sessions Announces a 5 Percent Growth Target and 1 Trillion Yuan National Bond
By Nick Carraway
China’s main goals this year are stability, the development of critical sectors, and stimulating the economy.
What’s in Hong Kong’s New National Security Bill?
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
The proposed law, which is expected to pass easily, includes stiff penalties and more power to suppress dissent, building on the 2020 National Security Law imposed by Beijing.
China, Taiwan, and Core of Vatican Diplomacy
By Thomas Ching Wei Tu
When it comes to the Holy See, neither Taipei’s nor Beijing’s typical tactics for wooing diplomatic allies are effective.
Taiwan’s Surprising Drop in Trade Dependence on Mainland China
By Howard Shen
The root cause is not Taipei’s efforts, but China’s own economic woes.
President Bio’s Visit Charts a More Holistic Path for China-Sierra Leone Relations
By Rosie Wigmore
The trend toward diversification could also be a bellwether for China’s relationship with other African countries.
The Political Calculus Behind Xi Jinping’s Emphasis on Climate Leadership
By Bin Gu and Jonghyuk Lee
Under Xi, China has embraced green diplomacy as part of its global ambitions.
After the 2024 Election, Taiwan’s Real Challenge Begins
By Syaru Shirley Lin
The next 4 years will test Taiwan’s resilience in the face of geopolitical rivalry, climate crisis, diminishing socioeconomic prospects, and an aging society while being led by a divided government.
China Looks to Revive Slowing Economy and Salvage Property Market as Annual Congress Convenes
By Dake Kang and Elaine Kurtenbach
Now is Beijing’s chance to keep short-term economic issues from turning into a long-term slowdown, experts say. But it’s not clear what steps the government is willing to take.
China-Taiwan Boat Collision Near Kinmen Continues to Reverberate in Taiwanese Politics
By Brian Hioe
It’s an early test case of the new dynamics of power between the KMT and the DPP, and the impact on cross-strait relations.
China’s Shuttle Diplomacy With Ukraine and Russia: All Symbol, No Substance
By Rakshith Shetty
Despite its second round of shuttle diplomacy, China remains hesitant to engage fully in genuine negotiations at this stage.