The changing dynamics between the United States and China is reshaping the international system. Historical, cultural, and political differences as well as misunderstandings of each other’s strategic intentions risk potentially catastrophic escalation across military, economic, and political realms. The way China interacts with the international community will help to define the 21st century’s political, economic, military, and governance norms worldwide.
Stimson’s China program works to assess China’s strategic intentions and foreign policy behaviors to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, misperceptions, and miscalculations. The program seeks to understandings of strategic considerations — not only of China and the United States, but also other states in and outside the region. Recognizing that dialogue is important for developing better understanding among regional actors, the program works to expand interaction between the Chinese foreign policy community and their counterparts in other countries.
China has attempted to mediate Afghanistan’s conflicts at various stages, even as China’s global status and roles changed over the decades
September 23, 2024
By increasing relations at a slower pace, China’s government makes a safer long-term bet on Afghanistan that could protect longer-term benefits in the future
August 23, 2024
Chinese approaches to counterterrorism in Africa show complex interactions between state and nonstate actors
July 31, 2024
North Korea presents a useful case study to examine the ways that China’s interests, risk aversion, and process building drive its engagement in mediation
June 5, 2024
Stimson experts weigh in on the recent China-Japan-South Korea Ninth Trilateral Summit and what it means for Northeast Asia
May 31, 2024
China seeks to balance diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran to serve its broader strategic interests
May 10, 2024
China has limited its involvement in crises in Venezuela, preferring to secure its economic interests and avoid reputational cost
February 16, 2024
China has shifted its role in Yemen to align more closely with Saudi Arabia, while maintaining a narrative of facilitation
January 31, 2024
