China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Explaining China’s motives for the BRI, perception of the initiative internationally, and how the Belt and Road may evolve in the future.

As a key input into concrete, the most widely used construction material in the world, cement is a major contributor to climate change.

During his trip to Europe Xi could find it hard to address the damage wrought by COVID-19 and Beijing’s stance on Ukraine. But he may exploit existing tensions with Washington.

China’s long-term strategy around bases in Africa is unclear, but countries hosting them must also make political calculations.

Beijing has bought influence by exporting its high-speed rail technology to Kenya, Indonesia and other countries. But trouble is on the line, writes Yu Jie.

Failure to reach an agreement will damage the IMF and the rules-based international economic cooperation it embodies.

As an emerging Asian middle power, Indonesia’s notion of international order is based on a commitment to democracy and a desire for autonomy in international politics.

Alleged cyberattacks spotlight China’s role in Kenya’s debt problems, but must not be allowed to overshadow the country’s broader failings in its financing.

By disseminating narratives of its own supremacy, China deepened relations with the Gulf during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its efforts to maintain ties with both Russia and Europe, China is having to wade through conflicting interests and rapidly changing sentiments.

Xi Jinping will try to beef up Global South relations in 2023, but weary Chinese and the business sector need pandemic restrictions to end, says Yu Jie.

Indonesia won’t always see eye-to-eye with the West, or with China, which makes it an important balancing force in Asia.

The inaugural episode of our new podcast examines the latest developments surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Xi Jinping’s political report from the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

Political report reflects a worsened economic and diplomatic position as Xi knows his unprecedented third term as leader will be judged on results.

The increased role of geopolitics and ideology in Beijing’s economic decision-making is bad news not just for China but for the world.

Xi opens the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party with a political report which demonstrates both change and continuity in the approach of his leadership.

In the final article of three on the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress, which opens on 16 October, Yu Jie argues that Beijing must show more pragmatism about Taiwan and the West.

Find out about the 13 articles in the May issue of International Affairs

Drawing on his recent article in International Affairs, Rafał Ulatowski analyzes Germany’s strategy on China and its implications for the wider Indo-Pacific.

Cynthia Liao on why development infrastructure projects need greater female input

Despite promising signs of a continuing global economic recovery in 2022, the African debt situation remains worrying.

How are states responding to the US-China rivalry? And is competition preventing a coordinated global response to the pandemic and climate change?

John Kampfner argues the era of rivalry has tarnished both the American and Chinese brands as many countries around the world grow increasingly wary of choosing allegiances.

Prime Minister Kishida must strike a balance between his significant economic and geopolitical ambitions to achieve the unfulfilled regional aspirations of his predecessors.

John Kampfner outlines why suspicion between China and the US means the climate crisis will be tackled only if governments see policy gains in radical action.

Sharif Jamil on Bangladesh’s need for global help to counter climate change and pollution

Explaining China’s motives for the BRI, perception of the initiative internationally, and how the Belt and Road may evolve in the future.

China’s pursuit of trade partnerships is at odds with its high-octane rhetoric as it seeks to respond to the West’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

What has the COVID-19 pandemic revealed about the precarity of informal workers? And what is new about China’s latest economic strategy?

This episode provides an insight into how Tonga views the geopolitical struggle for power in the Indo-Pacific region.

China has been accused of using its vaccine to expand its influence, but for many struggling economies it is filling a gap left by Western states and donors.

Although China is likely to remain its preferred economic partner, strategic rebalancing would help Algeria hedge its bets and optimize relations with Beijing and beyond.