China | Council on Foreign Relations

Sir Robin Niblett, distinguished fellow at Chatham House, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss a potential second Cold War between the United States and China.

Podcast by James M. Lindsay, Robin Niblett, Markus Zakaria, Gabrielle Sierra, and Kenadee Mangus Jul 23, 2024

U.S.-China Economic Relations

Jay Shambaugh discusses U.S.-China macroeconomic engagement and dialogue with Chinese leadership on overcapacity and economic imbalances.

Event with Jay C. Shambaugh Jul 10, 2024

Taiwan’s Trump Conundrum

Taiwan should not dismiss Donald Trump’s recent comments about the island.

Blog Post by David Sacks Jul 19, 2024

The China-Russia Relationship

China and Russia have expanded trade and defense ties over the past decade, but they’re not formal allies. Experts say Russia’s war in Ukraine could be a turning point in the relationship.

Backgrounder by Clara Fong and Lindsay Maizland Mar 20, 2024

China

What Is China’s Role in Combating the Illegal Fentanyl Trade?

Those seeking to profit from fentanyl and governments seeking to control its supply are locked in a never-ending competition, with each new countermeasure spurring further innovation to circumvent it.

Expert Brief by Zongyuan Zoe Liu September 12, 2024
China

A Closed Door for Orphans? Unpacking China’s International Adoption Policy

While China’s decision to halt international adoptions seems to address some legitimate concerns, it overlooks the unique benefits these adoptions provided, particularly for children with special needs.

Blog Post by Yanzhong Huang September 6, 2024 Asia Unbound
Indo-Pacific

Guam’s Strategic Importance in the Indo-Pacific

The island’s proximity to Asia makes it a critical outpost for the U.S. military and a potential hub in the event of regional conflict.

In Brief by Clara Fong and Diana Roy September 6, 2024

Experts in this Region

Jerome A. Cohen

Adjunct Senior Fellow for Asia Studies

Rush Doshi

C.V. Starr Senior Fellow for Asia Studies and Director of the China Strategy Initiative

Michael Froman

President, Council on Foreign Relations

Yanzhong Huang

Senior Fellow for Global Health

Joshua Kurlantzick

Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia and South Asia

Daniel Kurtz-Phelan

Editor, Foreign Affairs; Peter G. Peterson Chair

Zongyuan Zoe Liu

Maurice R. Greenberg Senior Fellow for China Studies

Manjari Chatterjee Miller

Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia

Carl Minzner

Senior Fellow For China Studies

David Sacks

Fellow for Asia Studies

Adam Segal

Ira A. Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security and Director of the Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program

Sub-Saharan Africa

The Truth About Africa's "Debt Crisis"

Africa has a governance crisis, not a debt crisis.

Blog Post by Ebenezer Obadare September 5, 2024 Africa in Transition
South China Sea

Rising Tensions in the South China Sea Lead the Philippines to Side With the United States

In contrast to other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines has expressly aligned itself with the United States amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick September 5, 2024 Asia Unbound
Philippines

Why Tensions in the South China Sea Are Bolstering the U.S.-Philippines Alliance

Manila has fully allied with Washington amid increasingly dangerous standoffs with Beijing in the South China Sea, heightening the prospect of a wider war.

Expert Brief by Joshua Kurlantzick and Abigail McGowan September 5, 2024 Asia Program

United States

Getting Economic Security Right

National security policymakers are understandably worried about economic risks, but they shouldn’t lose sight of other national interests.

Article by Matthew P. Goodman September 4, 2024 RealEcon
China Strategy Initiative

China in Africa: August 2024

Throughout August, much of China’s engagement in Africa has set the stage for this week’s upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. While diplomats emphasized strengthening long-standing relationships with countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, announcements of new investments focused on the African energy needs of the future.

Article by Alexandra Dent September 3, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China

Chinese State Investors Do Not Seem to Profit From Higher U.S. Interest Rates

Given the size and composition of its external lending, China should be clearing far more interest income on its reserves and policy lending than SAFE reports.

Blog Post by Brad W. Setser September 2, 2024 Follow the Money
China Strategy Initiative

China in the Middle East: August 2024

August witnessed significant Chinese engagement in the Middle East. Relations with Israel soured as China condemned Israel’s war in Gaza and supported Iran. Meanwhile, ties with Riyadh blossomed with multibillion-dollar deals across sectors. The breadth of China’s actions underscores its strategic ambitions and highlights the county’s efforts to bolster its influence in the Middle East.

Article by Benjamin M. Holtzman August 29, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
China Strategy Initiative

China in Europe: August 2024

China and Europe had a busy month, despite the August vacation. A flurry of trade announcements dominated the headlines as the ongoing trade dispute between the EU and China heated up. The coming weeks are likely to only get hotter.

Article by Benjamin Harris August 29, 2024 China Strategy Initiative
Election 2024

How Harris and Walz Might Handle Asia Policy

Former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris would take vastly different approaches to Asia policy if they won the White House.

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick August 29, 2024 Asia Unbound
Greenberg Center for Geoeconomic Studies

Aging Will Hit China’s Economy Far Harder Than Is Recognized

Aging is not only shrinking the labor force but damaging productivity—and therefore per capita GDP growth.

Blog Post by Benn Steil and Elisabeth Harding August 28, 2024 Geo-Graphics
China

The IMF’s Latest External Sector Report Misses the Mark

The IMF should take a mulligan on the 2024 External Sector Report. The imbalance in China’s goods trade is expanding, not receding. It is too big for the IMF to ignore.

Blog Post by Brad W. Setser August 26, 2024 Follow the Money
China

Tracking China’s Control of Overseas Ports

This interactive map tracks China’s growing maritime influence through investments in strategic overseas ports. Users can plot the location of each port and view satellite images alongside detailed information on the share of Chinese ownership, the total amount of Chinese investment, and the port’s suitability for use by the Chinese military.

Tracker by Zongyuan Zoe Liu August 26, 2024 Asia Program