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.
A Growing Sense of Urgency: Is This Beijing’s Economic Reckoning?
By Lizzi C. Lee
Liquidity isn’t enough – China needs fiscal action and structural overhaul for a sustainable recovery.
Is Beijing’s Renewed Charm Offensive Real?
By Klaus Larres
The recent thaw is not all rhetoric: many Chinese people, especially the youth, express strong interest in building constructive relations with the U.S. and Europe.
The Restrained US Weapon Supply to Taiwan: A Troubling Signal Amid Escalating Tensions
By Hao Nan
With arms sales dropping and recent deliveries fraught with problems, doubts continue to mount over the United States’ true commitment to Taiwan’s security.
How Water Scarcity Threatens Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
By Kevin Zhang
Climate change and seasonal droughts could jeopardize the chip industry’s long-term strength and future expansion in Taiwan.
10-year-old Japanese Boy Dies After Stabbing Attack in China
By Mari Yamaguchi and Emily Wang Fujiyama
For the second time in three months, a knife-wielding man attacked Japanese schoolchildren in China.
China’s Legal Warfare Closes a Beloved Tibetan School
By Marie Miller
A private vocational school in Qinghai has been forced to close for unspecified violations. Critics see a continuation of Beijing’s war on Tibetan language education.
Ko Wen-je Is Back in Jail as Corruption Charges Mount
By Brian Hioe
Ko has been re-arrested over charges related to the Core Pacific City Mall, but he faces a number of other allegations as well.
Upcoming Biden-Xi Talks Won’t Rehabilitate China-US Relations
By Denny Roy
As it stands, the usefulness of high-level bilateral discussions is largely limited to performing for each side’s domestic audience.
China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan’s Lone Partner in Africa
By Shannon Tiezzi
Taiwan’s last foothold on the continent is built on personalized diplomacy with Eswatini’s absolute monarch.
China-Africa Summit 2024: The Octopus’ Embrace
By Ram Singh
While FOCAC showcased ambitious plans for mutual economic growth, a more intricate dynamic lies beneath, reminiscent of an octopus’ embrace – tightening, entangling, and often constricting.
Hong Kong Slams US Congress for Passing a Bill That Could Close Its Representative Offices
By Kanis Leung and Elsie Chen
China promised “resolute countermeasures” if the full Congress passes a bill that would shutter Hong Kong’s representative offices over the city’s reduced autonomy.
China’s Renewed Ambitions in Cabo Verde, the Frontier Between Africa and the EU
By Melanie Shi
It’s no coincidence that China’s new push in the island nation focuses on energy and digital development.