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.
Major Automakers May Be Using Chinese Aluminum Produced With Uyghur Forced Labor
By Simina Mistreanu
A new report from Human Rights Watch links some of the world's largest car manufacturers to aluminum allegedly produced with forced labor by Uyghurs.
KMT’s Han Kuo-yu Is Taiwan’s New Legislative Speaker
By Brian Hioe
The KMT's failed 2020 presidential candidate will hold the reins of the legislature, even while the DPP keeps the presidency.
China Welcomes a Taliban Ambassador to Beijing
By Freshta Jalalzai
While still short of formal diplomatic recognition, the move is part of a trend of growing engagement driven by the strategic interests of both sides.
China Ties Work to Bukele’s Advantage in El Salvador’s Upcoming Election
By Carlos Eduardo Piña
China’s economic model is attractive, and Bukele has been skilled at courting Chinese engagement to boost his popularity at home.
Hong Kong Begins Work on Its Own National Security Law After Beijing’s Version Crushed Dissent
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
Critics worry authorities will use a local national security law as another tool to crack down on dissidents, building on the law imposed by Beijing in 2020.
Taiwan’s Election Has Big Ramifications for Energy Security
By Yicheng Zhang and Morgan Peirce
Taiwan’s president-elect has a chance to reverse the government’s self-destructive nuclear phase-out.
US National Security Advisor, China’s Top Foreign Policy Official Met in Thailand
By Shannon Tiezzi
Jake Sullivan and Wang Yi met to discuss further implementation of the promises made during the Biden-Xi summit.
China in the Red Sea: Beijing’s Houthi Connection
By Barbara Kelemen
China’s response to the crisis in the Red Sea demonstrates both the existence and limitation of its relationship with the Houthis.
China’s Preference for Hard Power Is Creating Major Headaches for Beijing
By Guy C. Charlton and Xiang Gao
Taiwan’s election result points to a broader trend: China is failing to use soft power effectively, and paying the reputational price.
When Will Cross-Strait Tourism Return to Normal?
By Kristian McGuire
Tourism between Taiwan and China has been heavily impacted by political tensions. What's the outlook under the Lai administration?
Taiwan’s New President-Elect Should Prioritize the Economy
By Huynh Tam Sang
The greatest obstacle for the soon-to-be president of Taiwan is not the China threat, but rather economic concerns, particularly among young people.
Trouble Among Neighbors: Iran, Pakistan, and China’s Offer of Mediation
By Eram Ashraf
China’s interest in mediating between Iran and Pakistan stemmed from both specific concerns and broader foreign policy shifts.