Latest China Brief Articles
Taiwan’s 2008 Presidential Candidates: Resolving the Cross-Strait Imbroglio?
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) choice of Frank Hsieh (Hsieh Chang-ting) as its candidate for Taiwan's 2008 presidential election immediately brought cheers from outside analysts hoping for a reduction in cross-Strait tensions. In a typical commentary, The Economist magazine noted that Hsieh “wants better relations... MORE
Establishment of U.S.-China Military Hotline a Growing Possibility
After years of stalling, China appears to have finally agreed to the creation of a military hotline between the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). In recent statements, General Qian Lihua, deputy director of the Chinese MND, stated... MORE
Establishment of U.S.-China Military Hotline a Growing Possibility
After years of stalling, China appears to have finally agreed to the creation of a military hotline between the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). In recent statements, General Qian Lihua, deputy director of the Chinese MND, stated... MORE
The Death of Huang Ju: Filling the Chinese Leadership Vacuum
On the surface, the recent death of Politburo Standing Committee member and First Vice Premier Huang Ju presents President Hu Jintao with an opportunity to further consolidate his power by marginalizing the influence of the rival Shanghai Faction within the Chinese leadership. A former mayor... MORE
The Death of Huang Ju: Filling the Chinese Leadership Vacuum
On the surface, the recent death of Politburo Standing Committee member and First Vice Premier Huang Ju presents President Hu Jintao with an opportunity to further consolidate his power by marginalizing the influence of the rival Shanghai Faction within the Chinese leadership. A former mayor... MORE
U.S.-PRC Maritime Cooperation: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
The Pacific Forum-2007, held in Shanghai from May 18-19, was an effort by China to promote maritime cooperation. The international oceanic conference, which the author attended, was sponsored by maritime-oriented universities, interested organizations and the local government, and themed “Harmonious World, Harmonious Ocean.” While saccharine... MORE
U.S.-PRC Maritime Cooperation: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?
The Pacific Forum-2007, held in Shanghai from May 18-19, was an effort by China to promote maritime cooperation. The international oceanic conference, which the author attended, was sponsored by maritime-oriented universities, interested organizations and the local government, and themed “Harmonious World, Harmonious Ocean.” While saccharine... MORE
Sino-Canadian Relations Enter Uncharted Waters
Only eighteen months ago, China’s relations with Canada seemed to be at their best in history. President Hu Jintao had visited Prime Minister Paul Martin in Ottawa, declaring that a bilateral strategic partnership was established and the two countries would cooperate in a range of... MORE
Sino-Canadian Relations Enter Uncharted Waters
Only eighteen months ago, China’s relations with Canada seemed to be at their best in history. President Hu Jintao had visited Prime Minister Paul Martin in Ottawa, declaring that a bilateral strategic partnership was established and the two countries would cooperate in a range of... MORE
China’s 2007 Military Training Guidelines and the PLA’s Evolving Approach to Military Training
Until recently, Chinese military training was widely dismissed as infrequent, unrealistic and overly scripted. In the 1980s and 1990s, outside observers and internal critics alike raised doubts about the utility of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) exercises, and it was clear that training deficiencies represented... MORE