Latest China Brief Articles

Taiwan’s Energy Policy at Odds With Economic Needs

Executive Summary: Taiwan’s president Lai Ching-te could be open to restarting the island’s nuclear power program, with Premier Cho Jung-tai suggesting the Legislative Yuan could discuss the topic, and pro-nuclear business executive Tung Tzu-hsien being appointed to a newly established National Climate Change Committee. Taiwan’s... MORE

Government Cracks Down on SOEs but Runs Risks

Executive Summary: The Supreme People’s Court and Central Government Regulators have put State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) on notice for fraudulent accounting practices, releasing five case studies to name and shame bad actors. The Central government made clear SOE fraud carries both economic risk and reputational risk... MORE

Kursk Incursion Draws Delayed Response From Beijing

Executive Summary: Official media in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has finally begun to comment on the Ukrainian operation in Russia’s Kursk oblast, which began on August 6. It gives Ukraine low odds of success, emphasizes Russia’s strength and successes elsewhere in the conflict,... MORE

Joint Sword-2024A: Blockades and Gray Zone Tactics

Executive Summary: The “Joint Sword: 2024A” exercise marks a shift in military strategy by integrating China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces. This coordination enhances the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) ability to leverage maritime law enforcement resources to support military... MORE

Wolf Worriers: Repeated Cries for Reform Fail to Convince at Third Plenum

Executive Summary: The Resolution from the Third Plenum focused primarily on economic reform but reinforced the Party’s existing strategy rather than announcing a change in overall direction. The Resolution does nothing to mitigate concerns about the real estate sector, weak domestic demand, subsidized export-oriented manufacturing,... MORE