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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.

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China’s Population Falls for a 2nd Straight Year as Births Continue to Drop

China’s Population Falls for a 2nd Straight Year as Births Continue to Drop

By Ken Moritsugu
Even after China scrapped the “one-child policy,” births have dropped for seven straight years.
China’s Big Gamble in the South China Sea

China’s Big Gamble in the South China Sea

By Hung Tran
Heightened China-Philippines tension around Second Thomas Shoal could escalate to military skirmishes – and that’s a chance Beijing appears willing to take.

China’s Response to the Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

China’s Response to the Houthi Attacks in the Red Sea

By Mordechai Chaziza
A complex interplay of economic factors, limited military capabilities, and geopolitical dynamics shape China’s cautious response to the Red Sea crisis.

Previewing the Chinese Foreign Minister’s Visit to Africa

Previewing the Chinese Foreign Minister’s Visit to Africa

By Yixin Yu and Ovigwe Eguegu
Wang Yi’s inaugural trip of 2024 will touch on diplomacy, economics, and security issues on the African continent. 

Hedging ‘Light’: Italy’s Intermezzo With China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Hedging ‘Light’: Italy’s Intermezzo With China’s Belt and Road Initiative

By Elisabetta Nadalutti and Jürgen Rüland
What explains Rome’s brief engagement with the BRI?
The Strategic Implications of China’s ‘Divine Dragon’ Spaceplane 

The Strategic Implications of China’s ‘Divine Dragon’ Spaceplane 

By Namrata Goswami and Peter Garretson
Having inexpensive and reusable space access – China’s goal in developing the Shenlong spaceplane – carries major national security implications.

How China Defines the ‘Global South’

How China Defines the ‘Global South’

By KAWASHIMA Shin
Beijing tries to make the term its own.
Beijing Tries to Capitalize on Taiwan’s Controversial Rocket Alert

Beijing Tries to Capitalize on Taiwan’s Controversial Rocket Alert

By Sze-Fung Lee
Taiwan issued a national alert following the launch of a satellite from China. Beijing has seized on the controversy to advance its own interests.

What Lies Ahead for Chinese Lending to Africa?

What Lies Ahead for Chinese Lending to Africa?

By Trevor Lwere
Despite much talk of a slowdown, there is reason to believe that Chinese loans to African countries will increase in 2024.

‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Pawn’: US-related Narratives Amid Taiwan’s Presidential Election

‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Pawn’: US-related Narratives Amid Taiwan’s Presidential Election

By Yang Kuang-shun
Tropes attacking Taiwanese politicians for supposedly being alienated from – or being too close to – the U.S. have been common for decades. This election cycle is no exception.

China’s 2024 Priorities Tucked in Xi Jinping’s New Year Speech

China’s 2024 Priorities Tucked in Xi Jinping’s New Year Speech

By Nick Carraway
The president’s speech has a clear goal of boosting Chinese people’s declining confidence amid the past difficult years.
Why Is Mexico Putting Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

Why Is Mexico Putting Tariffs on Chinese Imports?

By Juan Pablo Villasmíl and Joseph Bouchard
As bilateral trade hits record-highs, the country may be looking to exercise leverage and improve its terms.

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