Country
China
Exporting Culture, Cementing Control: How the CCP Pursues Domestic Legitimacy Through Soft Power
By Gu Bin
By strategically aligning soft power expansion with a revival of traditional culture, the Chinese government leverages successes like “Ne Zha 2” to enhance its domestic political legitimacy.
The Secret Behind Temu’s Rock-bottom Prices
By Henri Isaac
Temu’s success is due to its ultra-low prices, which many argue are made possible only through questionable practices. The full picture is more complicated.
Philippines Accuses Chinese Navy of ‘Aggressive’ Actions Over Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
Tensions over Scarborough Shoal have increased markedly since the middle of last year, when Beijing and Manila reached an "understanding" over another disputed shoal.
The China-Russia Relationship: A Marriage of Convenience
By Anastasia Guzenko
While China-Russia relations have certainly gotten closer since the 1990s, recent indicators may point to strains.
Xi Jinping Holds Economic Symposium With Corporate Giants
By Rahul Pandey
China’s leader attempted to downplay the country’s economic issues while seeking to boost private sector confidence.
Did the US Just Change Its Taiwan Policy?
By Bruce Xin Tao
Updates to a State Department factsheet on Taiwan could indicate a tactical adjustment or a strategic shift.
Cook Islands’ China Shock: A ‘Frog in the Pot’ Moment for Pacific Security
By Anne-Marie Brady
The new China-Cook Islands deal has implications for Pacific security, but particularly for New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
The Nickel-based Industrial Paradox: Indonesian Resources, Chinese Profits
By Ahmad Syarif
Do Jakarta's industrial incentives reflect misaligned priorities?
How the CCP Co-opted an Ancient Buddhist Monk
By Victoria Jones
The Chinese government venerates Kumarajiva not only for his contributions to Buddhism but also as a symbol of China’s ideological and geopolitical ambitions.
‘Ne Zha 2’: China’s Latest Tech Success
By Vincent Chow
“Ne Zha 2” has shattered several box office records while sparking national pride in China's cultural strength.
Trump’s Ukraine Peace Gambit: Consequences for Taiwan’s Security
By Zi Yang
The settlement of the Ukraine conflict in a manner reminiscent of the 1938 Munich Agreement could entice more states to resolve disputes militarily. Taiwan especially looks ever more vulnerable.
The Discourse on Taiwan Needs a Vibeshift
By Arthur Kroen
Taiwan’s history of resistance against colonizers – whether European, Japanese, or Chinese – and multi-ethnic nation-building deserves recognition.