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.
Ko Wen-je Briefly Arrested as Corruption Investigations Against His TPP Advance
By Brian Hioe
Ko was released due to lack of evidence, but the legal troubles surrounding Taiwan's major third party continue.
Chinese General Li’s Ill-Timed Visit to Pakistan
By Ghulam Ali
By sending its top army official to Pakistan on the anniversary of a prominent separatist leader's death, China risks inadvertently fanning the flames of anti-China resentment in Balochistan.
China’s Leader Xi Jinping and Top General Meet US National Security Adviser
By Ken Moritsugu and Huizhong Wu
Jake Sullivan’s trip to Beijing this week was part of a multi-year effort to keep China-U.S. tensions from spiraling into conflict.
Africa, China, and the Race for Critical Minerals: A New Focus for FOCAC?
By Yixin Yu
Despite the broad scope of topics covered at FOCAC, one crucial area remains notably underrepresented: mining and critical minerals.
China Isn’t Poised to Invade Taiwan – But Beijing Might Benefit From That Perception
By Thiago de Aragao
China’s approach to Taiwan is less about an actual invasion and more about the strategic use of tensions to gain leverage – and shore up CCP legitimacy.
What’s at Stake as 2 Hong Kong Journalists Await a Verdict in Sedition Trial?
By Kanis Leung
The journalists were charged with conspiracy to publish seditious materials under a colonial-era law two years ago.
China Will Generate More Nuclear Power Than Both France and the United States by 2030
By Rakshith Shetty
China's rapid build-up of nuclear reactors is expected to see it top the global standings.
A Top White House Official Says US and China Are Working to Avoid Conflict at Talks in Beijing
By Ken Moritsugu
U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is meeting again with China's top foreign policy official, Wang Yi – this time in Beijing.
A New ‘Band-Aid’ for China’s Property Market: Can It Stop the Bleeding?
By Lizzi C. Lee
Will Beijing's new focus on finished homes and financial lifelines for developers bring stability, or are these just temporary fixes to a deeper crisis?
China in Central America: Just a Mirage
By Javier Meléndez
Since 2017, Central American countries have strengthened ties with China, based on promises of benefits. Instead, they face growing trade deficits and failed projects.
‘Black Myth: Wukong’ Shows China’s Cultural Soft Power Is No Myth
By Ryan M. Allen
China has long been derided for a perceived lack of soft power. A smash video game hit belies that narrative.
Rampant Nationalism Is Undermining China’s ‘Three Warfares’
By Weilong (David) Kong
Violent xenophobia and “wolf warrior” sentiments are at odds with the government’s emphasis on public opinion warfare.