Sep 25, 2014

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has organized a number of “anti-terrorist exercises” that do have an anti-terrorism purpose and aim to fight the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism by strengthening the militaries’ ability to coordinate counter-terrorism operations. Nonetheless, in addition to their declared goal of fighting regional terrorism, these drills aim to support the SCO agenda of negating U.S. global primacy, countering U.S. missile defense programs, and weakening U.S. security alliances.

Aug 27, 2014

China has provided modest aid to Afghanistan, but its economic and security contributions remain much less than those provide by Western countries, despite China’s geographic and other links to Afghanistan.

Aug 04, 2014

The most recent BRICS summit was noteworthy for generating the first concrete collective initiatives in the group’s history. Whereas the BRICS past meetings and had yielded mostly joint declarations, the July 15 summit in Brazil saw them launch two high-profile financial initiatives. Perhaps even more important, they seem prepared to undertake other collective projects in the energy and nonproliferation realms.

Jul 15, 2014

Relations between China and South Korea continue to improve. Their two governments have developed a strong economic partnership and managed their security differences over North Korea and other issues well. Surveys of South Korean public opinion show a remarkable rise in popular assessments of China and its policies. Nevertheless, South Korea remains a reliable U.S. ally and security partner and Beijing’s options regarding Seoul are seriously constrained as long as China remains committed to sustaining North Korea as a buffer state.

Jun 25, 2014

Chinese criticism of the Pentagon’s latest report on China’s military power is misplaced. The text is not intended to propagate the “China threat” thesis as part of a U.S.-led containment strategy. Instead, the document offers a balanced review of Chinese capabilities and intentions, and combines deterrence threats with reassuring opportunities for further China-U.S. defense cooperation.

Jun 12, 2014

This year’s “Joint Sea-2014” maritime exercise between China and Russia was noticeable in several respects. First, the drill coincided with a state visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to China. Second, it came at a time when other signs of deepening Sino-Russian cooperation were evident. Third, China tried to use the drills to legitimize its Air Defense Identification Zone. Finally, it failed to evoke much of a reaction from Washington.

Jun 03, 2014

The May 21 Sino-Russian gas deal has been long expected, but it took Chinese and Russian negotiators more than a decade to overcome their differences on the issue, which reflecting diverging price expectations. In the end, the parties stuck to their winning formula of China’s providing Russian firms with the money they need in advance to develop new energy supplies and transport them to China through guaranteed long-term contracts. The United States has minimal influence over both countries’ energy policies and will need to work with regional partners, including China, to encourage price competition, competition, and transparency.

May 13, 2014

The unfavorable Chinese media coverage of President Barack Obama’s recent Asian trip reflects the mistaken impression that the president’s tour was designed to rally regional partners against Beijing, writes Richard Weitz.

Apr 23, 2014

China has always valued military secrecy, however Richard Weitz explains that in recent years China has advanced in terms of transparency and the importance of clear communication between China and the U.S.

Mar 26, 2014

Skillful Chinese diplomacy has managed to transform an initial damage limitation strategy into one that will likely bring benefits to Beijing. China has won praise from both sides of the conflict without suffering any major costs. Although Beijing will not apply sanctions to Moscow for its actions, China has expressed disapproval of the Crimean referendum through its silence—probably the best Washington can hope for.