Resource Library
The 24th EU-China Summit: diplomacy and dialogue, but few deliverables
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Charles Michel, accompanied by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang at the 24th EU-China Summit in Beijing on 7 December 2023.
The expansion of BRICS, India, and the implications for the dollar-based economy
The recent BRICS summit saw the surprise announcement of six new members of the group. With more than 50 Global South nations having also expressed an interest in joining, this could have long-term implications for the dollar-based economy. However, India is playing a vital ‘buffering’ role between the G7 and China’s intention to use BRICS to push its Belt and Road Initiative.
Enhanced US-India cooperation, and strong military and diplomatic relations, concern China
The upcoming 19th edition of Yudh Abhyas – a joint US-India annual military training practice – is arguably the most significant yet, representing strengthening US-India ties in the eyes of Beijing. At the same time, growing tensions between India and China are revealing internal divisions within the BRICS group of nations.
Is recent US-China diplomacy a sign of thawing relations?
A series of three meetings between senior US and China officials and diplomats failed to deliver any concrete results, but is it a sign that both parties are willing to open the lines of communication?
NATO angers China. France blocks NATO liaison office in Tokyo
Beijing criticized NATO’s calling out China’s aggressive behavior and disruption of a rules- based world order, further raising tensions between China and NATO member states. China is attempting to exploit divisions within NATO to halt the alliance’s expansion into the Indo-Pacific.
China tightens overseas access to research and government data
As China limits access to national databases and research papers, US and international analysts and researchers are having to find innovative ways to uncover accurate information on Chinese commercial policies as well as advanced scientific and technological research.
China targets US companies
After five years of trade and technology restrictions placed on China, spearheaded by the Donald Trump and Joe Biden administrations, Chinese authorities are increasingly targeting US and Western interests in retaliation. In recent months, China has begun to punish US firms for military sales to Taiwan, CHIPS Act restrictions, perceived or contrived infosec vulnerabilities, and domestic financial misconduct.
G7 Leaders discuss China at recent summit
During the recent G7 leaders’ summit in Japan, President Biden commented on US-China relations during a press conference which were picked up by international media: Biden sees shift in ties with China shortly.
China-Russia Cooperation in Africa and the Middle East
Africa and the Middle East provide the conditions for China and Russia to advance their shared and separate agendas.
China and Brazil strengthen strategic trade and investment partnership
China’s interest in Brazil and Latin America beyond is part of its ongoing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to extend China’s influence across Latin America and more broadly the Global South. Brazilian President Lula da Silva is eager to strengthen economic ties with China.
China’s post-COVID re-emergence
As the government of the People's Republic of China abandons its strict Covid policies, its population and economy should expect to face some tough challenges.
Closer ties between China and Russia
Cooperation between China and Russia has been growing for some months now, as China provides Russia with an economic lifeline, while gaining a significant increase in the delivery of Russian oil and gas. The symbolic meeting between the two leaders in March strengthens those ties further.