China Signals Readiness to Resume Dialogue with the United States

China's tentative willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States offers hope for improved bilateral relations. Recognizing the economic interdependence, global challenges, and strategic considerations, China is taking measured steps towards resuming communication. The resumption of dialogue presents an opportunity for constructive engagement, mitigating tensions, and fostering cooperation on mutual concerns.

In recent times, there are promising indications that China is willing to initiate dialogue with the United States, marking a potential turning point in their strained relationship. This newfound willingness to engage in discussions demonstrates China’s desire to address shared challenges and find common ground. In this article, we explore China’s tentative steps towards resuming […]

Son Jun-ho: South Korean footballer detained in China in bribery probe

China's football scene has long been plagued by allegations of bribery and match-fixing, and recent arrests of key football figures further damage the country's football ambitions.

China has confirmed the detention of Son Jun-ho, a South Korean footballer, in relation to a bribery case. Son, who plays in the Chinese Super League for Shandong Taishan, is currently in police custody in China’s Liaoning province. He was detained at a Shanghai airport, and reports of his arrest come amidst a broader crackdown […]

Hong Kong Protest Song Performer Pleads Not Guilty to Permit Violations

The not guilty plea of the elderly Hongkonger, celebrated for their protest song performances, draws attention to the challenges faced by individuals expressing dissent through artistic means. These powerful renditions became emblematic of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

In a significant legal development, an elderly Hongkonger renowned for their powerful protest song performances has pleaded not guilty to seven permit violations. These violations pertain to the individual’s participation in public performances without the necessary permits. This article examines the details of the case, the symbolic significance of the protest songs, and the potential […]

In Xi’s China, Security Takes Precedence over Economic Priorities

President Xi Jinping's leadership has ushered in a recalibration of priorities in China, with security needs assuming a prominent position. The pursuit of national security, both domestically and internationally, influences various aspects of China's policies and strategies. While economic development remains important, the shift towards security-centric approaches can impact economic considerations, particularly in areas such as defense spending, technology, and geopolitics. China's ability to strike the right balance between security imperatives and economic goals will be critical for its long-term development and stability.

Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China is witnessing a notable shift in priorities, with a clear emphasis on security concerns over economic considerations. This strategic shift reflects the country’s response to growing geopolitical challenges and its determination to safeguard national interests. While economic development has been a driving force behind China’s global rise, President Xi’s […]

China’s war chest: Beijing’s ‘great wall of steel’ faces obstacles to military supremacy

Chinese leaders are well aware of these challenges, and have been focusing on improving the quality of their troops and becoming more self-sufficient with weaponry. Nothing about an assault on Taiwan would be simple. But, says Herzinger, “it’s rare, in history, for a navy or military to build out and modernise so rapidly without a real reason for doing so”.

Taiwan’s foreign minister says he is preparing for conflict with China. In an interview last month, Joseph Wu said that “we are taking the Chinese military threat very seriously” and named 2027 as the year to be concerned about. As relations between China and the US spiral ever lower, many analysts are increasingly worried that […]

Chinese general calls for novel warfare capabilities

China would seek new military advantages by building up capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, information networks, and aviation and space, Wang said.

Drawing lessons from the Ukraine crisis, a top Chinese general urged greater integration of novel capabilities, including artificial intelligence, with conventional warfare tactics ahead of any confrontation with the West. A new genre of hybrid warfare has emerged from the Ukraine conflict, with the intertwining of “political warfare, financial warfare, technological warfare, cyberwarfare, and cognitive […]

One of China’s last LGBTQ+ resources centers has closed

Contemporary Chinese politics mirrors much of the same "Don't Say Gay" rhetoric seen in the United States, LGBTQ activist Zhijun Hu wrote in The Diplomat in December. His essay explores how Chinese nationalists see homosexuality as a threat to society, and notes how some in China echo the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the U.S. that perceives being gay or trans as a "lifestyle."

Beijing LGBT Center — one of the country’s most prominent queer advocacy groups — is permanently closing its doors effective immediately, the group announced on Monday. “Due to ‘force majeure,’ we are very sorry to inform you that Beijing LGBT Center has ceased operations today,” the group posted on the WeChat messaging app, suggesting it […]

Compulsory Military Education in China: Concerns and Controversies

Compulsory military education has become a requirement for many students in Chinese schools and universities, raising concerns about government control over education and its impact on academic and personal freedoms.

The one to two-week training is intended to promote patriotism and discipline, but some students and parents criticize it for being too harsh and physically demanding. They also worry it takes away from valuable study time and may hinder academic progress. Chinese schools also implement programs to promote Communist Party ideology and loyalty to the […]

China widens ‘already breathtaking’ scope to arrest foreigners for espionage

The development has already prompted many countries to express concern, with some urging their citizens to be cautious when traveling to China. This move has also led to fears that it could be used to undermine global cooperation on issues such as trade and climate change.

China’s expansion of its power to arrest foreigners for alleged espionage has raised concerns among human rights groups and foreign governments. This development has come amidst rising tensions between China and other countries, particularly the United States, over issues such as trade, human rights, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Some experts believe […]

China Ratchets Up Pressure on Foreign Companies

China has implemented new regulations that require foreign companies operating within its borders to submit reports on their cybersecurity measures and data storage practices. The move is part of a crackdown on foreign firms that China perceives as a threat to national security.

Announced by China’s Ministry of Public Security, the regulations mandate that companies operating in China submit reports detailing their network security measures, cybersecurity incident management plans, and data storage arrangements. Companies must also provide information on the location and use of their data centers and servers. The regulations apply to all companies operating in China, […]