In a Fortnight

Nihilism, Denialism, and Annihilation in New Xinjiang White Paper

Executive Summary: Xi Jinping’s personal imprimatur on the Party-state’s policies in Xinjiang are unambiguous, according to a new white paper published to coincide with a central-level delegation to the region in late September. The Party uses cultural and historical arguments to justify its ongoing policies... MORE

‘AI +’ Initiatives Multiply After Years of Experimentation

Executive Summary: By 2035, artificial intelligence (AI) will underpin practically all sectors of the economy and society, according to recent plans from policy planners in Beijing. The upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan could become the first to include “AI+” as a major policy initiative. Development of... MORE

SCO Summit Focuses on Shaping Emerging Frontiers

Executive Summary: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an increasingly important vehicle through which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to drive changes to the international system. This year’s summit focused on seizing the current moment to shape rules and standards in emerging frontiers, such... MORE

Experts Reminded of Central Mission at Summer Retreat

Executive Summary: This August, 62 experts from the fields of science and technology, philosophy and social sciences, and basic research were invited to take a vacation and meet with senior officials in Beidaihe as part of an annual tradition that dates back to at least... MORE

Terminal Authority: Assessing the CCP’s Emerging Crisis of Political Succession

Executive Summary: Xi Jinping continues to dominate the Chinese Party-state system, based on an assessment of evidence from spring and summer 2025. Despite high-level purges, unusual military reshuffles, and persistent rumors of elite dissatisfaction, there is no visible indication that Xi’s personal authority has meaningfully... MORE

Authorities Renew Reform and Opening Amid Economic Pressures

Executive Summary: The Party has updated plans to build the Greater Bay Area into a key growth driver, emphasizing attracting foreign investment and overseas talent. The measures from Beijing seek to make it easier for funds and elite global experts to move between the jurisdictions... MORE

New Rules Advance Data-Based Governance System

Executive Summary: New regulations that seek to build an integrated national system for sharing government affairs data are intended to boost the Party’s dual priorities of boosting innovation and safeguarding security. The regulations aim to resolve issues and inefficiencies caused by data silos and government... MORE

White Paper Offers Chinese Wisdom at the Crossroads of History

Executive Summary: A new white paper titled “China’s National Security in the New Era” is targeted to both domestic and international audiences and offers “Chinese wisdom” and solutions to contemporary challenges. In a bid for global leadership, the document frames “unstoppable” world historical trends as... MORE