China Monitor
China Monitor (11/2025)
In November 2025, China used the China-Arab States Civilizational Dialogue to strengthen its international positioning. The CPC promoted a narrative of “ancient civilizational wisdom” and called for reform of the global order, presenting the Global Governance Initiative as a response to the frustrations of the Global South. On the technological front, Beijing continued to develop its model of digital governance – both the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen and the annual 6G Technology Development Conference emphasized “intelligent connectivity” and the advancement of Chinese-led standards. At the same time, diplomatic tensions with Japan deepened, reflected in a series of diplomatic and factual actions. Read the full November analysis and commentary here.
China Monitor (10/2025)
In October 2025, Xi Jinping met with Donald Trump in Beijing, signaling a cautious thaw in U.S.-China relations after months of trade and tech tensions. Domestically, the government launched a new phase of the “Clean and Bright Network” campaign, targeting live-streaming and digital tipping under the banner of protecting online morality and user safety. In Europe, China maintained its “logic of pragmatism” toward Finland, keeping dialogue open despite Helsinki’s post-NATO security orientation. Read the full analysis and commentary here.
China Monitor (9/2025)
In September 2025, Beijing launched intensive diplomatic efforts — from formalizing the “Global Governance Initiative” to showcasing the Chinese model of public security during an international forum in Lianyungang. Chinese diplomacy also conducted a campaign across Europe; Wang Yi visited Portugal, Austria, Slovenia, and Poland, where his trip coincided with growing regional security tensions. Domestically, Beijing continued tightening control over the digital sphere, strengthening its surveillance apparatus in the name of “social order.” Download the full September report with commentary here.
China Monitor (7-8/2025)
In July and August 2025, Beijing faced different dimensions of crisis – from severe droughts and floods that exposed the limits of infrastructural control over nature to unsuccessful attempts at mediating the Thai-Cambodian conflict, where ASEAN and the U.S. took the lead. Domestically, the unexpected detention of Liu Jianchao, one of the key architects of party diplomacy, undermined the image of elite stability and highlighted the problem of succession. Full information and commentary is available here.
China Monitor (6/2025). In June, the key development was the China–Central Asia summit in Astana, which confirmed the institutionalization of the format and Beijing’s growing ambitions for regional infrastructure and political leadership. At the same time, China intensified its engagement with the EU - Liu Jianchao, head of the CCP’s International Department, visited Cyprus to test a bilateral influence model similar to China’s ties with Serbia. Domestically, authorities launched the so-called “100 days sprint” campaign to address youth unemployment and respond to growing frustration among university students. Full commentary and analysis available here.
China Monitor (5/2025). In May, China and the U.S. agreed to a 90-day suspension of tariffs, framed by President Trump as a “reset” in bilateral ties. At the same time, Beijing stepped up its diplomacy in different regions: Xi Jinping joined WWII commemorations in Moscow to promote a shared historical narrative with Russia, while Premier Li Qiang visited Indonesia and Malaysia, advancing China’s ties with ASEAN and the Persian Gulf. China also deepened its AI dialogue with the UK, positioning itself as a champion of “inclusive” governance and South–South cooperation. In Europe, Beijing lifted sanctions on MEPs and engaged Spanish lawmakers, hoping to restart economic talks with the EU. Download the entire May news with commentary here.
China Monitor (4/2025). In April, a key event was the Central Conference on Neighborhood Policy, during which Xi Jinping announced the “Asian security model” as an alternative to US influence and announced a new phase of China’s regional policy. Beijing also launched its first-ever 2+2 dialogue, which it led with Indonesia, signaling its readiness to build its own multilateral strategic formats. In parallel, the CCP has intensified contacts with Japanese political elites, using the party channel as a tool for influence and imposing its own narrative. Download the entire April news with commentary here.
China Monitor (3/2025). The major political event in China this March was the "Two Sessions," where the government aimed to present the People's Republic of China as a responsible and engaged global power, while signaling its readiness for long-term strategic competition with the United States. On the international front, Beijing continued its diplomatic push, holding talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski. At the same time, China initiated discussions with Iran and Russia about the future of the nuclear deal and security arrangements in the Middle East. Facing ongoing economic challenges, Beijing also took steps to regain foreign investors' trust, seeking cooperation with the Singaporean fund Temasek. Download the entire March news with commentary here.
China Monitor (2/2025). In February, China began to position itself as an advocate for European participation in the peace talks. Against the backdrop of Donald Trump's radical change in foreign policy, Beijing is encouraging the EU to deepen trade relations and build strategic autonomy from the US. China will try to build an anti-American coalition, aware that it is the main target of Donald Trump's policy. In Central and Eastern Europe, China is trying to repair relations with countries that are developing cooperation with Taiwan and are critical of Chinese support for the Kremlin. Against this backdrop, the first meeting of the foreign ministers of China and the Czech Republic since 2018 took place. Download the entire February news with commentary here.
China Monitor (1/2025). The inauguration of Donald Trump's presidency in the context of China policy dominated commentators' attention in January. In Sri Lanka, China signalled a huge petrochemical investment, Indonesia joined the BRICS, and Uighurs from Thailand may be deported to China. In Central and Eastern Europe, the announcement of NORINCO's investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina draws attention. In Poland, contractors for infrastructure projects expect protection from unfair competition from China, and party diplomacy with China is waning. Download the entire January news with commentary here.
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