Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 28, 2025

What DeepSeek’s breakthrough says (and doesn’t say) about the ‘AI race’ with China

By Kenton Thibaut

DeepSeek’s achievement has not exactly undermined the United States’ export control strategy, but it does bring up important questions about the broader US strategy on AI.

Artificial Intelligence China

Announcements

Jan 24, 2025

Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense program launches Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force

WASHINGTON, JANUARY 24, 2025 — The Atlantic Council’s Forward Defense program has convened former government officials and industry leaders on a Hypersonic Capabilities Task Force to address the opportunities that hypersonic capabilities offer to the United States to enhance deterrence and the challenges posed by adversary hypersonic capabilities. 

China Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 24, 2025

Webster in ChinaTalk: “Deepseek Meets Li Qiang, Data Labeling Subsidies, Taiwan’s Debt, Automation Optimism”

By Joseph Webster

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Report

Jan 23, 2025

From Russia’s shadow fleet to China’s maritime claims: The freedom of the seas is under threat

By Elisabeth Braw

This report analyzes the deterioration of the global maritime order, focusing on rule violations in areas including maritime border alteration, harassment of civilian vessels, and disturbance of navigational tools

China Europe & Eurasia

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 23, 2025

On prosperity, Taiwan ranks high—but its future hinges on Chinese power plays

By Shelley Rigger

Taiwan’s democracy has thrived for over three decades, defined by vibrant elections and a deep pride in its liberal institutions. Despite Beijing's persistent threats of a takeover, Taiwan’s global economic significance acts as a buffer against conflict. Yet, the country's future remains uncertain as it must balance its economic and political ideals with escalating geopolitical tensions.

Democratic Transitions East Asia

UkraineAlert

Jan 23, 2025

North Korea is using Russia’s Ukraine invasion to upgrade its army

By Alina Hrytsenko

North Korea's participation in Russia's Ukraine invasion is a dangerous escalation in what is already the largest European war since World War II with potentially alarming implications for global security, writes Alina Hrytsenko.

Conflict Defense Technologies

EnergySource

Jan 22, 2025

China’s lithium-ion battery exports: Why are US prices so low?

By Joseph Webster

Export prices for Chinese batteries entering the US are lower than for any other market, suggesting that China may be engaging in anti-competitive behavior. As batteries grow in importance for commercial and military applications, the US should increase tariffs on Chinese battery imports to bolster US and allied manufacturing capabilities.

China Energy & Environment

Inflection Points Today

Jan 18, 2025

A Russian-Iranian inaugural gift for Trump

By Frederick Kempe

The new “comprehensive partnership agreement” between Moscow and Tehran is the latest example of greater coordination among the “axis of aggressors.”

China Conflict

In the News

Jan 17, 2025

Event with Jan Hatzius featured in SCMP on Trump’s China tariff plans and impacts on the US economy

Read the full article here

China Economy & Business

Sinographs

Jan 16, 2025

China’s economic performance: New numbers, same overstatement

By Daniel H. Rosen and Jeremy Smith

Is China's economic slowdown more severe than reflected in official data? Here's a cheat sheet for looking at actual economic performance in 2024 and 2025.

China Economy & Business

Experts

Events