More research and commentary
Mitigating AI risks from non-state actors. In a written exchange as part of the Brookings-Tsinghua Track II Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and National Security, Kyle Chan, Michael O'Hanlon, Qi Haotian, and Zheng Lefeng weigh the security risks of misuse of AI by non-state actors and feasibility of U.S.-China coordination to mitigate this shared threat.
Europe caught in the middle. Jonathan Czin examines how U.S.–EU divisions, shifting U.S. priorities under Trump, and Beijing’s strategic pressure are deepening Europe’s strategic isolation.
How will the U.S. and China power the AI race? For the Global China project, Kyle Chan, Samantha Gross, Liza Tobin, and David G. Victor consider how AI-driven energy demand is reshaping U.S.-China competition and weigh whether Washington should permit Chinese investment in clean-energy technology and manufacturing.
Global implications of the operation in Venezuela. Brookings experts assess Beijing's response to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, the implications for Taiwan's security, and the uncertain fate of China’s oil-for-loans claims.
How Chinese analysts read the National Security Strategy. For the Global China Project's "Lost in translation" series, Sun Chenghao explains that Chinese analysts view the Trump administration's National Security Strategy as a transitional document and caution against interpreting Washington's renewed emphasis on the Western Hemisphere as a relaxation of competitive pressure on China.
Taiwan in 2026. In the Taipei Times, Ryan Hass forecasts the top five external uncertainties that will impact Taiwan’s security and prosperity in 2026.
How close is China to moving on Taiwan? Yun Sun examines in Foreign Affairs how the convergence of multiple internal and external factors in 2026 may prompt Beijing to conclude it has a window to pursue unification with Taiwan by force.
Japan in an era of great power rivalry. Patricia Kim analyzes in Central News Asia how China's retaliation against Japan after Prime Minister Takaichi's comments on Taiwan and Washington's uneven response represent a new brazenness among great powers, as well as the strategic riskiness of relying on a single patron.
Canada and Europe's drift toward China. Mary Gallagher contends in World Politics Review that President Trump’s trade and foreign policy approach is pushing Canada and the European Union to deepen economic engagement with China and embrace Beijing as a legitimate global power.
China's increasing global leadership. Jonathan Czin explores Beijing's growing confidence and increasingly offensive strategy during the second Trump administration, as well as the reshaping of the global order, on the One Decision podcast.
U.S. and China's recoupling. Kyle Chan argues in his Substack, High Capacity, that despite efforts in Washington and Beijing to decouple, deep economic complementarities and technological interdependence are driving new ties in industries such as AI, pharma, batteries, biotech, robotics, and robotaxis.
China's dual sentiments on its economy. In World Politics Review, Mary Gallagher asserts that while Beijing is outwardly confident about its industrial dominance and trade victories, China's domestic economic satisfaction remains low due to persistent involution, declining profitability, rising debt, and high youth unemployment.
A "quiet" year in U.S.-China relations. On ChinaTalk, Jonathan Czin explores Beijing's approach to the Trump administration in 2025 and his expectations for 2026.
U.S.-China relations after one year of the Trump administration. Ryan Hass analyzes the Trump administration's approach to China and Taiwan and Beijing’s perceptions of the U.S. under Trump for the Chicago Council's podcast, Deep Dish on Global Affairs.
Is China outpacing the U.S.? Jonathan Czin evaluates China's posture toward the Trump administration, political developments in Beijing, and the enduring nature of U.S.-China rivalry on the Foreign Affairs Interview podcast.
Beijing's Trump strategy. Jonathan Czin discusses on Vox's Today, Explained podcast how China has emerged stronger globally than the U.S. one year after Trump took office.
Beijing's reaction to Maduro's capture. Ryan Hass contends in a ChinaFile written conversation that Washington’s operation to capture Maduro is unlikely to embolden China on Taiwan or significantly disrupt U.S.–China relations. Beijing will focus instead on seeking to impose reputational costs on the U.S. for violating Venezuela’s sovereignty.
