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.
China’s Economy Took Center Stage in Xi’s New Year Address – as a Positive
By Lewis Eves
Xi Jinping attempted to spin slower growth as a “remarkable” achievement.
Year of the ‘Known Unknowns’? Australia-China Relations in 2025
By Corey Lee Bell and Elena Collinson
Last year consolidated the thaw that began under the Albanese government. Entering 2025, however, the Australia-China relationship will face growing uncertainties.
China’s Middle East Moment: Will Beijing Seize the Opportunity in Syria?
By Asad Ullah
The Syrian conflict presents a pivotal opportunity for China to exhibit its readiness to assume a true global leadership role.
Navigating Taiwan’s Pacific Identity: Challenges for Lai Ching-te’s Hawaiian Shirt Diplomacy
By Zane Kheir
Despite the DPP’s emphasis on Taiwan’s Pacific heritage, the majority of Taiwanese are unable to relate to countries beyond Northeast Asia.
Taiwan’s Legislature-Government Clashes Heat up
By Brian Hioe
The KMT and TPP pushed through another round of controversial bills at the end of 2024, setting the stage for continued political conflict.
Post-Disaster, Chinese Aid Trails Other Donors in Vanuatu
By Emily Walz
China has increased aid as part of its bid to become the foreign partner of choice for Pacific Island countries but is playing only a small part in Vanuatu’s earthquake relief.
Can China Ever Weed out Corruption in Its Military?
By Bonnie Girard
Another spate of Chinese military corruption cases serves as a reminder that a decades-long practice and culture of corruption continues to flourish within the PLA.
Brazil-China Partnership: Redefining the Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America
By Aparna Divya and Salman Ali
Brazil’s calculated approach to the Belt and Road Initiative reflects the unique nature of Latin American politics.
Ecuador’s Evolving Engagement with the PRC
By R. Evan Ellis
Under the current Ecuadorian government of Daniel Noboa, major infrastructure, financial, and security cooperation with China has been restrained, but political expediency may change that.
China’s Real Estate Crisis: Why the Younger Generation Is Not Buying Houses Anymore
By Yuan Shi
Between skyrocketing home prices, the housing market debt default crisis, and a shifting culture, China’s younger generation is facing a vastly different housing market than their parents.
Rivers of Influence: How Droughts and Chinese Investment Shape Ecuador’s Energy Crisis
By Martin Brown
Ecuador’s energy crisis has focused attention on its under-performing hydroelectric dams built by China’s state-owned enterprises.
Syria Is Not One of China’s Strategic Priorities
By Dale Aluf
Make no mistake: China's leadership is not happy about the fall of Assad. But compared to Russia and Iran, Beijing had far less at stake.