People walk in front of a residential area under lockdown due to COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing on June 23.
People walk in front of a residential area under lockdown due to COVID-19 restrictions in Beijing on June 23.

China’s COVID-19 Stagnation Has No End in Sight

The endless cycle of lockdowns will likely lead to long-lasting political and economic consequences.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi takes part in a press conference on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 5.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi takes part in a press conference on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 5.

Beijing’s Diplomacy Suffers in Europe

Estonia and Latvia are the latest countries to back out of a forum with China, undermining its efforts on the continent.

A Taiwanese military outpost is seen beyond anti-landing spikes along the coast in Kinmen, Taiwan, on Aug. 10.
A Taiwanese military outpost is seen beyond anti-landing spikes along the coast in Kinmen, Taiwan, on Aug. 10.

Why Doesn’t China Invade Taiwan?

Despite Beijing’s rhetoric, a full-scale invasion remains a risky endeavor—and officials think the island can be coerced into reunification.

Pelosi waves standing in a group of people, all wearing masks.
Pelosi waves standing in a group of people, all wearing masks.

China Responds to Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip

Many on social media expressed anger that the government hadn’t followed through on its fiery rhetoric.

U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 21.
U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi holds her weekly press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on July 21.

Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip Causes a Ruckus in Washington

The House speaker’s visit is a grand gesture, but it shouldn’t be seen as a show of strength.

Construction workers walk by signs advertising a development project as they leave work in Beijing on July 15.
Construction workers walk by signs advertising a development project as they leave work in Beijing on July 15.

Chinese Mortgage Boycott Gains Steam

Homebuyers’ threats to stop payments on unfinished projects could deepen an ongoing real estate crisis.

Chinese demonstrators hold banners during a protest over the freezing of deposits by rural-based banks outside a People’s Bank of China building in Zhengzhou, China, on July 10.
Chinese demonstrators hold banners during a protest over the freezing of deposits by rural-based banks outside a People’s Bank of China building in Zhengzhou, China, on July 10.

The Chinese Protesters Who Got What They Wanted—Sort of

Does a compensation scheme for failing banks mean the start of more accountability for China’s financial sector?

A view of the Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong on Feb. 1, 2017. Billionaire Xiao Jianhua was abducted from the property days earlier.
A view of the Four Seasons hotel in Hong Kong on Feb. 1, 2017. Billionaire Xiao Jianhua was abducted from the property days earlier.

How Xiao Jianhua Angered President Xi

What the kidnapping and trial of a former billionaire tell us about China’s ultrawealthy.

Students walk in front of a television screen displaying footage of Chinese Xi Jinping at an exhibition ahead of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover on June 23.
Students walk in front of a television screen displaying footage of Chinese Xi Jinping at an exhibition ahead of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover on June 23.

How Does the Chinese Public Feel About Xi’s Third Term?

As the Chinese Communist Party’s congress approaches, there are subtle signs of frustration.

A health worker helps people obtain a code to be able to be tested for COVID-19 in Shanghai on March 14.
A health worker helps people obtain a code to be able to be tested for COVID-19 in Shanghai on March 14.

Will China Use Health Apps to Crack Down on Dissent?

Public patience with COVID-19 restrictions is fraying, and a sprawling network of control already exists.

Police officers patrol a night market in Laishan, China.
Police officers patrol a night market in Laishan, China.

A Brutal Attack Stirs Anger and Shame in China

Video of an assault on a woman in Tangshan has gone viral, raising uncomfortable questions about gender-based violence.

A pro-democracy activist holds an electric candle in Victoria Park, the traditional site of the annual Tiananmen Square massacre candlelight vigil, on June 5 in Hong Kong.
A pro-democracy activist holds an electric candle in Victoria Park, the traditional site of the annual Tiananmen Square massacre candlelight vigil, on June 5 in Hong Kong.

Why a Top Chinese Influencer Got Taken Offline

The censorship of Li Jiaqi’s livestream highlights sensitivity around the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the closing session of the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 11.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the closing session of the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 11.

China’s Premier Steps Up to Issue Economic Warning

Recent appearances may fuel speculation that Li Keqiang’s star is rising, but it’s not that simple.

Security personnel stand guard at the entrance to the Forbidden City near an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping as the closing session of the National People's Congress takes place in Beijing on March 11.
Security personnel stand guard at the entrance to the Forbidden City near an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping as the closing session of the National People's Congress takes place in Beijing on March 11.

Expanding State Power Still Tops Xi’s Agenda

A recently publicized speech reflects how the Chinese leader sees the country’s economic challenges.

Workers wearing protective gear stack up boxes to deliver in the Jing'an district in Shanghai on May 7.
Workers wearing protective gear stack up boxes to deliver in the Jing'an district in Shanghai on May 7.

China’s COVID-19 Data Doesn’t Match Its Harsh Restrictions

Officials say case numbers in Shanghai are falling, but millions of residents are still locked down.

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