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.
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.
China Targets Overseas Social Media Influencers in Its Latest Transnational Repression Scheme
By Chauncey Jung
In a break from its past censorship strategies, China is now attempting to expand its circle of influence beyond its own borders.
China and Japan: What’s in a Term?
By KAWASHIMA Shin
A “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” makes a comeback.
Hong Kong’s Article 23 Legislation Is Another Step Toward Authoritarian Rule
By Christopher Siu-tat Mung
The proposed bill would go even further than the National Security Law in restricting political freedoms and civil society.