China’s faltering zero COVID policy

As Beijing doubles down on “dynamic clearing,” widely known as the “zero COVID” policy, our experts continue to unpack the domestic political drivers, economic repercussions, and the political, diplomatic, and human costs.

How badly has the recent turn in Beijing’s policy undermined the domestic narrative of China’s superior pandemic response and the stature of Xi Jinping’s rule? Explore content below to learn more.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2024

It’s time for a US-Taiwan free trade agreement 

By Clete R. Willems

A free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan would help protect the island democracy from China's economic coercion.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Dec 19, 2023

What to know about China’s meddling in Taiwan’s upcoming election

By Lev Nachman, Wen-Ti Sung

China's approach to spreading misinformation to influence Taiwan's upcoming elections has become more subtle and, perhaps, more effective.

Elections Taiwan

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2023

Meet Taiwan’s presidential candidates and their running mates

By Wen-Ti Sung, Lev Nachman

Expect to see these vice-presidential candidates front and center as the three parties change how they frame and run their campaigns.

Elections Taiwan

New Atlanticist

Nov 22, 2023

China’s acoustic aggression against a US ally follows a pattern. Military talks won’t help.

By Markus Garlauskas, Philip W. Yu

On November 14, a Chinese warship used its active sonar to harass and injure two Australian Royal Navy divers with high-powered sound waves.

Australia China

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2023

What to make of China’s latest restrictions on critical mineral exports

By Reed Blakemore

Beijing's export restrictions on graphite, gallium, and germanium are examples of how China is wielding its "resource leverage."

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 23, 2023

Dispatches from Taiwan: Expert perspectives from an Atlantic Council visit to Taipei

By Atlantic Council experts

A timely delegation delivers on-the-ground insights and analysis on the island democracy's challenges and role in the Indo-Pacific.

China Conflict

New Atlanticist

Jul 27, 2023

There’s something odd about where China is building solar power

By Joseph Webster

Beijing’s solar deployment has been wasteful from an economic and environmental perspective, but the shape of its solar build may be influenced in part by security considerations.

China Energy & Environment

Econographics

Jul 19, 2023

Global Sanctions Dashboard: Sanctions alone won’t stop the Wagner Group 

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, and Ryan Murphy

Existing sanctions against the Wagner Group, limitations around enforcing them, and what more Western allies can do to counter Wagner's influence in Africa.

Africa Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jul 7, 2023

Does Taiwan’s massive reliance on energy imports put its security at risk?

By Joseph Webster

Taipei relies on maritime imports for around 97 percent of its energy, even as Beijing appears increasingly capable of launching a quarantine, blockade, siege, or even invasion of the island.

China Conflict

Econographics

Jun 14, 2023

How is China mitigating the effects of sanctions on Russia? 

By Maia Nikoladze, Phillip Meng and Jessie Yin

Despite Xi and Putin’s public proclamation of a ‘no limits’ partnership, China and Russia’s economic ties are limited by Beijing’s strategic interests.

China Economic Sanctions