This digital dashboard and companion CSIS brief offer groundbreaking insights into trade flows through critical chokepoints in the South China Sea.
Economics
Economic power is at the heart of China’s growing global influence. China’s economic prowess, fueled by trade, has enabled it to move from the periphery to the center of the international system. With the world’s second largest economy, how China leverages its economic power has profound consequences for the global order. To learn more, explore our featured content below.
Troubled Straits: Analyzing Trade Chokepoints in the South China Sea
This CSIS brief offers groundbreaking insight into the value and types of goods flowing through eight different South China Sea chokepoints.
Is it a Risk for America that China Holds So Much U.S. Debt?
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Robust Is China’s Energy Security?
Energy security is a key pillar of economic and national security. This ChinaPower feature weighs China’s main energy security vulnerabilities and strengths.