Taiwan's incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a rally on Jan. 8 in Taoyuan, Taiwan, ahead of Saturday's presidential election.
Taiwan's incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen speaks during a rally on Jan. 8 in Taoyuan, Taiwan, ahead of Saturday's presidential election.

Taiwan’s Election Is a Referendum on Its Identity

Victory for incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen is all but certain, shaping Taipei’s future relationship with Beijing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping looks over Tiananmen Square
Chinese President Xi Jinping looks over Tiananmen Square

China’s Monumental Year

Ten stories that broadened our knowledge of China in 2019.

Anti-government protesters fill the streets in Hong Kong on July 21. ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-government protesters fill the streets in Hong Kong on July 21. ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images

China’s Year in 10 Charts

The political and economic trends that shaped China this year.

China's President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrive in Macao on Dec. 18.
China's President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, arrive in Macao on Dec. 18.

Why China Isn’t Celebrating the Phase One Trade Deal

A preliminary agreement with the United States means no new tariffs, but the future of the economic relationship remains uncertain.

A woman reads a book in a bookstore in Beijing on Nov. 7, 2017.
A woman reads a book in a bookstore in Beijing on Nov. 7, 2017.

Why Is China Burning Books?

A report that Chinese officials destroyed books and religious texts at a state-run library has sparked online outrage.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang answers a question during a briefing in Beijing on Nov. 28.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang answers a question during a briefing in Beijing on Nov. 28.

Chinese Diplomacy Takes an Aggressive Turn

As foreign governments back Hong Kong’s protesters, China’s diplomats are pushing back.

A screen shows an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kashgar, Xinjiang, on June 4.
A screen shows an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kashgar, Xinjiang, on June 4.

Leaked Documents Expose the Machinery of China’s Prison Camps

The new materials reveal how Beijing’s internment of Uighur Muslims actually works—and who is complicit.

Activists gather outside the British Consulate-General building in Hong Kong on Aug. 21 following reports that Simon Cheng, a Hong Kong consulate employee, was detained by mainland Chinese authorities.
Activists gather outside the British Consulate-General building in Hong Kong on Aug. 21 following reports that Simon Cheng, a Hong Kong consulate employee, was detained by mainland Chinese authorities.

Is China Detaining Hong Kong Protesters on the Mainland?

Claims by a Hong Kong citizen held for 15 days in August could stir even more anti-China anger in the city.

Protesters stand on a bridge over the Tolo Highway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Nov. 13.
Protesters stand on a bridge over the Tolo Highway at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Nov. 13.

Hong Kong’s Violence Arrives on Campus

A police raid against student activists on university grounds marks a new phase in the city’s ongoing unrest.

Protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks gather in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on Nov. 5, the one month anniversary of the local government banning face coverings at rallies.
Protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks gather in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on Nov. 5, the one month anniversary of the local government banning face coverings at rallies.

What Is Beijing Planning for Hong Kong?

After another weekend of violence, China’s proposal for new national security measures in the city could backfire.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials sing the Chinese national anthem during a ceremony to mark Martyr's Day at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept. 30.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials sing the Chinese national anthem during a ceremony to mark Martyr's Day at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on Sept. 30.

What Is Happening at China’s Secret Plenum?

Expect discussions around slowing growth and the ongoing trade war.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong on Oct. 16.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam speaks at a press conference in Hong Kong on Oct. 16.

Is Carrie Lam on Her Way Out?

Beijing is reportedly mulling a plan to remove Hong Kong’s leader, but it isn’t likely to solve the city’s political crisis.

Chinese Vice Premier Liu presents U.S. President Donald Trump with a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping after Trump announced a partial trade agreement with China on Oct. 11 in Washington.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu presents U.S. President Donald Trump with a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping after Trump announced a partial trade agreement with China on Oct. 11 in Washington.

Will the United States and China Ever Reach a Trade Deal?

Both sides face domestic pressure over the trade war, but they won’t make an agreement without mutual trust.

A Chinese flag is seen on a display at the NBA flagship retail store on Oct. 9 in Beijing.
A Chinese flag is seen on a display at the NBA flagship retail store on Oct. 9 in Beijing.

Is the NBA Doomed in China?

When it comes to Hong Kong’s protests, Beijing won’t play ball.

A man poses with fireworks during a massive parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Oct. 1.
A man poses with fireworks during a massive parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Beijing on Oct. 1.

The People’s Republic at 70

As China marches forward, what does its future hold?

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