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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Online Event Wed, June 1, 2022 • 2:00 pm ET

How powerful is Xi Jinping?

Experts with deep knowledge of China’s political landscape work to dispel misconceptions and provide evidence-based analysis of likely trajectories for Xi’s political control and policy agenda in the months ahead.
Online Event Fri, January 21, 2022 • 12:00 pm ET

Inside out: Investigating the domestic drivers of PRC foreign policy in 2022

An expert panel forecasts the year ahead for China’s foreign policy and approach to bilateral relations with the United States given the raft of domestic imperatives facing Beijing.
China Economy & Business Politics & Diplomacy Security & Defense
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Content

Econographics

Jan 26, 2023

Global Sanctions Dashboard: How sanctions will further squeeze the Russian economy in 2023

By Charles Lichfield, Maia Nikoladze, and Castellum.AI

The effects of sanctions on the Russian economy; Venezuela's pursuit of lifting energy sanctions; the plans for screening EU-US outbound investment going into China.

China Economic Sanctions

Issue Brief

Dec 20, 2022

Taiwan’s engagement with the world: Evaluating past hurdles, present complications, and future prospects

By Jessica Drun

Since Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) took office in May 2016, relations across the Taiwan Strait have grown increasingly tense—and even more so following the visit of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022.

China International Organizations

Econographics

Dec 8, 2022

The numbers that drove China’s Zero-COVID policy

By Niels Graham

China's adherence to zero-COVID was primarily driven by poor vaccination rates among seniors and weak health care infrastructure. As the country opens, both factors remain key health risks.

China Coronavirus

360/StratCom

Dec 8, 2022

Holes in the great fire wall: Dissent and protests in China

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

At 360/StratCom, the DFRLab hosted a panel of experts on China’s Communist Party, surveillance architecture, protest, and the information environment for a conversation on the implications of recent events for China.

China Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Nov 28, 2022

Experts react: What this wave of protests means for the future of the Chinese Communist Party

By Atlantic Council experts

How is the CCP likely to scramble to save face in the midst of rare protests—and will its efforts even work? Our experts give their takes on what the future holds.

China Freedom and Prosperity

Issue Brief

Nov 28, 2022

How the Chinese government is financing its way to becoming a techno-superpower

By Ngor Luong

Beijing is committed to becoming a state-led and self-sufficient techno-superpower. In doing so, the Chinese government is consolidating its influence in both the domestic market and overseas markets where Chinese firms are active, while simultaneously mobilizing public, private, and public-private investment vehicles to support these tech ambitions.

China Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Nov 28, 2022

Is China facing another Tiananmen moment?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts break down how far China's anti-lockdown protest movement could go, what kind of threat it poses to Xi’s government, and what the world should expect next.

China Coronavirus

Econographics

Nov 23, 2022

US-China competition after the US midterms and the CCP 20th Congress

By Hung Tran

For the first time since becoming President, Joe Biden met face-to-face with Secretary General Xi Jinping on November 14, 2022, at the outset of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. Against the backdrop of rising tensions between the two countries, the United States hoped it would “put a floor under the relationship.” But the recent […]

China Economy & Business

Econographics

Nov 17, 2022

Global Sanctions Dashboard: What’s coming in 2023?

By Charles Lichfield, Maia Nikoladze, and Castellum.AI

Fall sanctions against Russia and Iran; implications of US semiconductor export controls against China; projected sanctions trends in 2023.

China Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Nov 16, 2022

Beijing’s foreign-policy decisions aren’t determined by its political calendar

By Mark Parker Young

There is little connection between the timing of political events and the strength of Beijing's responses to external provocations. International policymakers should take note.

China Crisis Management
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