The global impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic have offered China an unprecedented opportunity to shore up its international image and influence by providing the world with global public health goods. This ChinaPower feature provides a comprehensive assessment of the scope and impact of China’s Covid-19 medical aid and vaccine diplomacy.
On this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Laurel Miller joins us to discuss the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and to assess China’s next steps in the region. Ms. Miller argues that China will continue to be cautiously involved with Afghanistan to fulfill its long-term vision of establishing peace and stability in the nearby region. Although Afghanistan was a bright spot for US-China cooperation in peace-process issues, Ms. Miller says that previous collaboration was exaggerated and that the brightness has been dimmed in recent years. Lastly, she weighs the likelihood of US-China cooperation on Afghanistan going forward.
Will China exploit the Covid-19 pandemic to shift the geopolitical balance of power in its favor? Experts discuss in this special debate episode.
China’s support for rail infrastructure development across the globe provides a unique opportunity for Beijing to drive regional connectivity and reap the resulting economic and political benefits. Much of this effort is linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, a flagship effort aimed at positioning China at the center of global trade and commerce.
In this episode, Mr. Bill Hayton joins us to discuss the genesis of China’s thinking about sovereignty and how this history shapes Chinese foreign policy today. He discusses the influence of Western notions of sovereignty on China during the Qing Dynasty and argues that the dynastic tribute system is still reflected to some extent in China’s current international relations. Mr. Hayton frames the volatile South China Sea situation in terms of sovereignty, describing control of the islands as a deeply emotional issue that is emblematic of national pride for China. He also explains how views of sovereignty could affect China’s approach to arms control, resulting in reluctance to accept third-party inspection of compliance with international treaties. Lastly, Mr. Hayton sheds light on China’s vision of an international stage characterized by relationships between individual and sovereign states rather than coalitions and blocs.
In this episode, Gaurab Shumsher Thapa joins us to discuss the trajectory of China-Nepal relations and China’s geostrategic interests in Nepal. Mr. Thapa explains the history of China-Nepal relations and analyzes China’s motives in increasing engagement with Nepal in recent years. He also discusses Nepal’s foreign policy of non-alignment and how this serves Nepal’s interests as geopolitical tensions heat up throughout the region.
In the episode, Dr. Scott Moore joins us to discuss the challenges that China faces in securing its vast water needs. Dr. Moore details China’s efforts to respond to the major threats facing its water resource supply, including scarcity and pollution. He also addresses the impacts that cross-border water security dynamics have on China’s regional relationships, and the opportunities created by water-related projects like hydropower plants in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.
In this episode, Dr. Tanvi Madan joins us to discuss Xi Jinping’s October 2019 meeting with Narendra Modi in India, as well as how China-India relations have evolved since their Wuhan Summit in 2018. Dr. Madan analyzes the major strategic and economic factors that are shaping the bilateral relationship, and how US policy toward India affects Sino-Indian ties. She also addresses existing points of contention between the two countries, including disputes over the Kashmir region and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
