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.
Taiwan’s Presidential and VP Contenders Give Final Campaign Push
By Brian Hioe
With less than two weeks left until the Taiwanese presidential elections, campaigning (and partisan mud-slinging) has kicked into high gear.
The Shakeup in China’s Rocket Force Continues
By Brandon Tran
Corruption investigations have toppled top leaders of the vaunted PLA Rocket Force. But the new replacements are just as interesting as the mysterious departures.
How Should Beijing Engage with the Next Taiwanese Administration?
By Zhuoran Li
Regardless of who wins Taiwan’s January 13 election, Beijing will have a golden opportunity to initiate talks without preconditions.
The Evolution of Identity in Taiwan
By Zhuoran Li
That more and more people in Taiwan identify as “Taiwanese” and not “Chinese” is partially the result of Beijing’s own policies.
New China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement Raises Security Concerns for Europe
By Maja Bjeloš, Nils Resare, and Wawa Wang
The FTA aims to increase trade flows and eliminate custom tariffs on arms deals, opening the field for sanctioned Chinese companies in Serbia. That’s bad news for Europe.
China and Russia Are Trying to Stack the Deck in 2024 Elections
By Joseph Webster
Beijing is attempting to sway Taiwan’s voters, while Moscow aims to tilt the U.S. presidential election to Donald Trump.
The Geopolitical Ripple: How China-US Tensions Reshape Business in Latin America
By Thiago de Aragao
The rivalry between Washington and Beijing has put Latin American countries in a challenging position, particularly as the region's economic dependence on China grows.
China and Europe Can Learn From Each Other’s Energy Transitions
By Anders Hove
When it comes to both energy security and power decarbonization, Europe and China are on different paths but face common imperatives.
China’s Growing Strategic Position in Nicaragua
By R. Evan Ellis
After resuming diplomatic ties in 2021, the relationship got off to a slow start but has recently picked up steam.
Will Xi Jinping Visit Mongolia in 2024?
By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
Many factors both inside and outside Mongolia may affect the Chinese leader’s rumored visit to Ulaanbaatar next year.
As Taiwan’s Election Nears, China’s Espionage, Interference Attempts Come Under Scrutiny
By Brian Hioe
There has been an increased number of reports on espionage plots and disinformation campaigns, and Taiwan's government is eager to show it is taking action.
Understanding China’s Position on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
By Sercan Çalışkan
Beijing is contrasting its approach with Washington's in a bid to win favor from the Gulf states – while still treading cautiously.