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

Oct 3, 2023

Reading between the lines of China’s new security rules for embassies and consulates

By Niva Yau

By building on earlier laws aimed at increasing its security footprint abroad, Beijing could grow its capacity to carry out transnational repression.

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

Econographics

May 25, 2023

Global Sanctions Dashboard: US and G7 allies target Russia’s evasion and procurement networks

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze, Benjamin Mossberg and Castellum.AI

Tackling export controls circumvention by Russia; the enforcement and effectiveness of the oil price cap; the failure of the US sanctions policy towards Sudan, and how to fix it.

Africa Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

China’s struggles to reassure wary businesses and consumers raise doubts about its economic comeback

By Jeremy Mark

The end result could very well be slower growth and fewer opportunities for Chinese and foreign businesses—and a bleaker outlook for continued improvement in the Chinese people’s standard of living.

China Economy & Business

Econographics

Mar 24, 2023

Global Sanctions Dashboard: What to do with sanctioned Russian assets

By Kimberly Donovan, Maia Nikoladze

Immediate steps for seizing the sanctioned Russian oligarch assets; concerns with the confiscation of Russian sovereign assets; Georgia's proposed foreign agent law.

Economic Sanctions Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 7, 2023

Fractured foundations: Assessing risks to Hong Kong’s business environment

By Logan Wright

The report analyzes in detail the risks to the commercial operating environment in Hong Kong that have emerged since the 2020 introduction of the National Security Law.

China East Asia