Latest China Brief Articles
Civilian UAV Production as a Window to the PLA’s Unmanned Fleet
Representing a wider trend, one of China’s largest aerospace manufacturers, AVIC, recently announced, after a record 18.8 percent growth in 2011, it is increasing investment in an unmanned helicopter that will function in a range of both mundane civil applications as well as more critical... MORE
China’s Persian Gulf Diplomacy Reflects Delicate Balancing Act
The diplomatic acrobatics and brinkmanship on display over Iran’s nuclear program are escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf to new heights, raising the stakes for all of the protagonists involved—including China. In this context, it is worth examining China’s position on the rapidly evolving events... MORE
Security Chief’s Efforts to Seal Up the Political-Legal Chairmanship
The run-up to this year’s leadership succession has brought more excitement than observers could reasonably expect when the top two presumptive leaders, Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, seemed set after the 17th Party Congress in 2007. The competition between Chongqing Party Secretary Bo Xilai and... MORE
On Sale Now! 2012 China Defense and Security Conference DVD
On February 16, 2012, The Jamestown Foundation held its second annual conference on China Defense and Security, at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.This full-length DVD covers four panels featuring:An introduction by Admiral Timothy Keating, Former Commander - US Pacific Command; remarks... MORE
China’s Space White Paper: Increasing Transparency…to a Degree
The publication of China’s Space Activities in 2011 on December 29, 2011 represents a continuing effort by Beijing to make its space program more transparent and to tout its progress. The publication of this third white paper on the space program demonstrates China’s continued commitment... MORE
PLA Puts Political Work Online
Much attention has been given to the controls and restrictions placed on Internet users within China, which have increased, especially in the wake of efforts by online activists to rally citizens to the streets (“China’s Adaptive Approach to the Information Counter-Revolution,” China Brief, June 3,... MORE
Constitutionalizing Wukan: The Value of the Constitution Outside the Courtroom
Starting last September, a protest in Wukan village made world headlines. After months of tension, thousands of villagers angry over the seizure of their land, inadequate compensation and the death of a villager in police custody expelled village officials and occupied the public square. Provincial... MORE
China’s Remnant Liberals Keep Flame of Liberalization Alive
China seems to have entered deep winter as far as political reform and human rights are concerned. While the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership seems to have pulled out all the stops to stifle dissent, intellectuals both inside and outside the party still are pushing... MORE
Kidnappings Highlight Weakness in Chinese Security Posture Abroad
In the space of 24 hours starting January 31, disgruntled Egyptians in the Sinai Peninsula kidnapped and then released 25 Chinese factory workers in an effort to get Cairo to pay attention to the chaotic situation on the peninsula (China News Service, February 1). The... MORE
China in 2012: Foreign Affairs a Secondary Priority but Salient Challenges Ahead
This year holds major domestic preoccupations for Chinese leaders. Heading the list are preparations for the 18th Chinese Communist Party Congress later this year and the following National Peoples Congress in early 2013. To ensure a smooth transition that will sustain the unity and legitimacy... MORE