China

Xi Jinping is the main thing holding China back

Xi Jinping is the main thing holding China back

If the Chinese Century underwhelms, it'll be partly due to a single man. During the Biden years, a lot of us thought that the next era of world history would be defined, in large part, by economic and geostrategic competition between the U.S. and China. That’s looking a little less likely these days. Donald Trump still makes the occasional aggressive noise toward China, but his approach has become much more conciliatory. Slowly or quickly, he’s walking away from most of the policies the Biden administration was using to stand up to China — canceling export controls, canceling industrial policy, putting tariffs on key allies, defunding research, and so on. Meanwhile, China is reaching the zenith of its power. Its share of world manufacturing1 has
‘Pro-China’ politicians survive Taiwan vote to kick them out

‘Pro-China’ politicians survive Taiwan vote to kick them out

Early results of an unprecedented vote in Taiwan aimed at ousting politicians accused of being too close to China indicate that all have retained their seats. Thousands of Taiwanese went to the polls on Saturday in what has been termed as the "dabamian", or Great Recall vote, initiated by a civic movement. The vote result was closely watched as it could have altered the balance of power in Taiwan, which has seen months of political deadlock between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government and the legislature dominated by the opposition Kuomintang and its allies. But the early result shows the opposition keeps its majority. A small number of votes are still being counted. On Saturday, citizens in 24 districts – all held by the Kuomintang - voted on a simple yes or
CCM reaffirms commitment to deepening Tanzania– China ties

CCM reaffirms commitment to deepening Tanzania– China ties

THE ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening political, economic and social ties between Tanzania and the People’s Republic of China. The Deputy Secretary General of CCM-Zanzibar, Dr Mohamed Said Mohamed made the remarks while hosting a visiting delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the party’s headquarters in Kisiwandui. Both parties held discussions on ways to strengthen their historic partnership, which dates back to the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution and was further cemented after the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Dr Mohamed underscored the longstanding solidarity between the two countries, rooted in China’s support to liberation movements in southern African countries. He recalled China’s unwavering support f
China’s top political advisor stresses expanding domestic demand

China’s top political advisor stresses expanding domestic demand

China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday called for the comprehensive expansion of domestic demand, emphasizing its strategic importance in sustaining long-term healthy economic development and meeting people's growing needs for a better life. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks during a symposium on comprehensive expansion of domestic demand in Beijing. The symposium focused on research findings from the central committees of non-CPC political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and personages without party affiliation. Wang emphasized ...
China’s AI Policy at the Crossroads: Balancing Development and Control in the DeepSeek Era

China’s AI Policy at the Crossroads: Balancing Development and Control in the DeepSeek Era

The competing imperatives of control and growth have shaped Chinese AI policy since top leadership began paying close attention to AI in 2017, evolving cyclically with China’s self-perception of its relative technological capabilities and economic position. The release of DeepSeek-R1 in early 2025 transformed the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape overnight, with the model demonstrating capabilities that placed Chinese models squarely at the global frontier. Seemingly surprised by their developers’ success, China’s leaders have responded with a newly found confidence. They have invited leading AI pioneers to high-level Chinese Communist Party (CCP) meetings,1 encouraged local governments to accelerate AI deployment across critical infrastructure,2 and promised
Deciphering China’s New National Security White Paper: The Positioning of Japan in the Security Strategy of China

Deciphering China’s New National Security White Paper: The Positioning of Japan in the Security Strategy of China

On May 12, 2025, China published a white paper titled China’s National Security in the New Era.[1] President Xi Jinping has shown a strong interest in national security since his administration was first inaugurated, and to date the establishment of the National Security Commission of the Chinese Communist Party was decided in the meeting of the Chinese Communist Party Politburo in January 2014, [2] the “holistic view of national security” was proposed by Xi Jinping in the first meeting of the National Security Commission in May the same year [3] and was enacted into law as the National Security Law in July 2015, [4] and the National Security Strategy (2021–2025) was deliberated on in the Chinese Communist Party Politburo in November 2021. [5] The new white paper builds on these devel
Chinese President Xi Jinping vows greater support for Russia

Chinese President Xi Jinping vows greater support for Russia

Beijing and Moscow should work to "unite countries of the global South and promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction", Mr. Xi said. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russia's top diplomat on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) that their countries should "strengthen mutual support", state media said, as Foreign Ministers gathered in Beijing for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation talks. Beijing has long sought to present the SCO as a counterweight to Western-led power blocs such as NATO and has pushed for greater collaboration between its 10 members. Top diplomats from the grouping have arrived in Beijing for a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers, including Russia's Sergei Lavrov, India's Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Iran's Abbas Arag...
Fragility Of Centralised Power: Lessons For Democracies From China’s Political Mayhem

Fragility Of Centralised Power: Lessons For Democracies From China’s Political Mayhem

Xi Jinping’s slow-motion nosedive from China’s throne is less a political drama than a masterclass in how to botch a nation. Beijing’s strongman, once hailed as the eternal helmsman, is now steering a ship that’s springing leaks faster than his censors can plug them. Economic wobbles, public grumbling, and a leadership drunk on its own myth expose the rot of hyper-centralised rule. But this isn’t just China’s circus—democracies, with their messy debates and fragile guardrails, can stumble into the same traps if they’re not vigilant. Picture a cautionary tale, served with a smirk and a shiver, as we unpack why China’s mess is a 900-word warning for every democracy to keep its house in order. Buckle up; the lessons are sharper than the Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army. China’

China coup? Rumours of Xi Jinping’s decline are premature

Despite speculation about leadership challenges, evidence suggests Xi Jinping holds firm control over China’s political system. In recent weeks, a flurry of reports has predicted the imminent downfall of China’s President Xi Jinping. Similar rumours have surfaced repeatedly over his 13-year rule – and each time have proven false. While scepticism about Xi’s invincibility is warranted, history suggests that today’s chatter will likely also turn out to be unfounded. To be sure, something strange is happening in Beijing. Since Xi began his third term in 2022, several of his hand-picked appointees have been removed, prompting speculation about a power struggle in the Chinese Communist Party. Most of the activity has occurred in the military, leading some to concl
‘Political tension’: Anthony Albanese, the US and China, explained

‘Political tension’: Anthony Albanese, the US and China, explained

Australia's relationship with China appears to be strengthening. Could this create increased tension with the US? As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, questions have been raised over how the US will view the visit and whether there could be consequences for Australia. The visit comes after US President Donald Trump announced new tariff rates of 25 per cent on some trading partners, including Japan and South Korea. US tariffs on Australian products remain at 10 per cent, but with relations between the two allies strained, could the US respond negatively to Australia potentially strengthening ties with China? Here's what you need to know. Australia's relationship with China Albanese is set to visit China from Satu...
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