Many worry that China’s ownership of American debt affords the Chinese economic leverage over the United States. This apprehension stems from a misunderstanding of sovereign debt and of how states derive power from their economic relations.
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How Is the Iran War Impacting China’s Economy?
This report analyzes the most important economic impacts of the Iran war on China and shows that while China is better positioned than others, the conflict threatens China’s economy in key ways.
Making Sense of China’s Government Budget
Each spring, China releases a government budget report that provides valuable insights into the country’s spending priorities and overall fiscal health. Yet these budgets can be difficult to parse, and the topline figures only tell part of the story. This ChinaPower feature untangles the details behind China’s government budget.
What Does China Really Spend on its Military?
China’s military budget provides insight into its expanding military capabilities. In terms of gauging relative military strength, defense budgets can be compared between countries and over a set period of time to assess overall trends.
The Purges Within China’s Military Are Even Deeper Than You Think
To shed light on the scope and impact of China’s sweeping military purges, the CSIS China Power Project constructed a database of over 100 senior officers who have been purged or potentially purged since 2022. This feature report summarizes insights from the data and reveals that the purges are far more extensive than previously understood.
Is China Leading the Robotics Revolution?
China’s robotics leaders are pioneering new innovations and eyeing new markets. This ChinaPower feature examines the growing role of robots in China’s economy and their geopolitical implications.
Tracking China’s Increased Military Activities in the Indo-Pacific in 2025
Analysis of open-source data shows that China’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific region increased in both operational tempo and geographical reach.
Surveying the Experts: The State of U.S.-China Relations Entering 2026
The CSIS China Power Project surveyed dozens of former U.S. government officials and leading China experts on key questions relating to U.S.-China relations. This report summarizes the findings of that survey.