Cherry-picking influence: Why China is cautious about filling gaps left by US global retreat

“Domestic priorities – enhancing economic growth quality, managing employment and social expectations, and safeguarding political stability – inevitably elevate the opportunity cost of external commitments”, said Sun of Tsinghua University. But it will not mean that China is retreating from the international stage altogether. Instead, emphasis will be on areas where domestic and external interests … Read more

China Power: Peacemaker or troublemaker? Views in Southeast Asia vary over Beijing’s efforts in global conflicts

Yun also acknowledged that China’s involvement as mediator does impact Myanmar’s sovereignty. However, she said this is “not unprovoked” as the impact of the conflict has been felt in areas near their land border. “One thing that you have always heard the Chinese say is that we don’t want to get involved in the Burmese … Read more