China

The (other) continent we can’t defend
The (other) continent we can’t defend
For all the back-and-forth Hugh White has generated with his latest book, How to Defend Australia, in a national preoccupation with the China question, little serious discussion…
Geopolitical moves in Jammu and Kashmir have a local cost, too
Geopolitical moves in Jammu and Kashmir have a local cost, too
The mixed reaction to the Indian government’s planned dissolution of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, which has been approved and will take place on 31…
US, China now have a three-week window to avert trade talks collapse
US, China now have a three-week window to avert trade talks collapse
After a week of turmoil following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on imports from China, global markets are cheerful again. Shares are recovering…
China-US currency clash: Who’s manipulating who?
China-US currency clash: Who’s manipulating who?
The United States has labelled China a currency manipulator. The move sent shock waves through markets early this week and left many speculating what may come next. Trump has…
Coordinating with America to pressure China on trade
Coordinating with America to pressure China on trade
While President Donald Trump’s bull-in-a-China-shop approach to reforming international trade doesn’t appeal, it is possible that some of his objectives might make sense. This was…
Balancing act: China’s nationalist consumer boycotts
Balancing act: China’s nationalist consumer boycotts
In June, a controversial statement from a UBS economist set off a firestorm in mainland China, causing serious trouble for the Swiss banking behemoth in one of its most important…
What China’s defence paper tells us about Beijing’s regional ambition
What China’s defence paper tells us about Beijing’s regional ambition
Beijing, over the years, has become more focussed and explicit in recognising and explaining its security threat perceptions. China last week released its 11th national defence…
Economic diplomacy: Guns versus butter, trade wars, and feeding PNG
Economic diplomacy: Guns versus butter, trade wars, and feeding PNG
Separation anxiety A new call to split trade negotiation from diplomacy in Australia has once again underlined how the rise of China has unsettled traditional frameworks…
China’s aid: lend your money, (don’t) lose your friend
China’s aid: lend your money, (don’t) lose your friend
Despite the recent spotlight on Chinese aid and labels of China as an “emerging donor”, China has actually been delivering foreign aid since as far back as the 1950s. Indeed,…
A podium protest aimed at swimming’s administrators, not China
A podium protest aimed at swimming’s administrators, not China
The World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju clearly won gold in the race for sporting headlines these last few days. Just like the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics last year, it seemed…