By Mei-Ling Chen
Shanghai-based correspondent covering Chinese politics, economy, cross-Strait relations and the Party apparatus.
Xi and Putin Push Multipolar Vision in Beijing, but Asymmetry Grows
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met in Beijing to advocate for a multipolar world order. Despite decades of cooperation, Russia's junior role
Trump Boasts of Drone-Capable Ballroom as Approval Sinks and Iran Tensions Simmer
Trump promoted a luxury ballroom at the White House, claiming it will host a 'drone empire' for defense. The boast comes amid low approval r
British Steel Nationalization Threatens China's Tariff Bypass Strategy
Jingye Group's 2020 acquisition of British Steel aimed to bypass US tariffs on Chinese steel. The UK government's nationalization bill now t
From Indemnity to Indispensability: China's 125-Year Reversal
In 1900, eight foreign powers occupied Beijing and imposed the Boxer Protocol. By 2026, the same capitals' leaders traveled to China as gues
Trump-Xi Summit: Cautious Progress and Subtle Win-Wins
The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing yielded modest trade agreements and reaffirmed the status quo on Taiwan. Both leaders avoided major breakthro
Trump's Beijing Visit: No Breakthroughs, but a War Averted
Trump's two-day summit in Beijing produced no major trade deals beyond a modest Boeing order. However, the absence of open conflict on Taiwa
Trump's Beijing Trip: Pomp, Promises, but Few Real Gains
President Xi Jinping offered Trump symbolic gestures but little substance on trade, AI, or rare earths. Nvidia's Jensen Huang emerged as the
Why Some Europeans Back Russia: Party Loyalty and Disinformation Drive Support
A study of 30,000 respondents across 18 European countries finds that party loyalty to pro-Kremlin politicians is the strongest predictor of
Decoding Xi Jinping's Speeches: The Narrative Tools Behind China's Strategy
Xi Jinping's speeches rely on master plots like adventure, quest, and rivalry to shape China's grand strategy. Understanding these narrative
Trump-Xi Summit: Smiles Mask Deep Strains in US-China Relations
President Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump to 'properly' handle Taiwan or risk conflict. The US delegation included sanctioned Secretary of St
Trump-Xi Summit: US Exports and Iran Take Center Stage in Reset Bid
Trump and Xi reached a package deal on US soybeans, energy, and aircraft. Xi committed to help on Iran and opposed militarization of the Str
Antisemitism Watchdog Condemns Israeli Ministry's 'Blood Libel' Attack on New York Times
The Nexus Project, a Jewish-led antisemitism watchdog, condemned Israel's Foreign Ministry for calling a New York Times column a 'blood libe