The Sino-Russian Alliance That Isn’t
Too much is made of Vladimir Putin’s trip to China. This isn’t the beginning of an alliance.
China
A Temporary Reprieve for the Philippines
Bilateral détente with China will be difficult to achieve and maintain despite an accord that relieves tension.
China’s Reformers Close Ranks, Bo’s Legacy Endures
President Hu Jintao insists that Bo Xilai’s ousting was an “isolated case,” but start ideological differences certainly remain.
A Precedent-Setting Sale in the Taiwan Straits
If lawmakers agree that Taiwan’s situation is dire, arms sales could bring its capabilities on par with China’s.
South Sudan Wants More Money from Beijing
The government in Juba complains that Chinese promises of aid aren’t being kept.
Careful Balancing Act for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia seeks an American presence to balance against China but does not want to antagonize it either.
Beyond the Reset: Reverse “Nixon Goes to China”
Ensconcing Russia in the West would enable America to balance against China’s rise.
Bo’s Purge an Opportunity for China’s Modernizers
The ouster of Chongqing party chief Bo Xilai gives Premier Wen Jiabao and his allies a chance to sideline hardliners.
America’s King Coal Hopes to Reign in China
Environmental regulations and a boom in natural gas are destroying the oil industry.
BRICS Expansion Could Produce G20 Minus Seven
Including other rising powers in the bloc could further dilute the BRIC’s usefulness.
Why There Can’t Be Quiet in the South China Sea
Lack of clarity on borders and disagreements within China make it difficult to cool things down.
North Korea Ready for Third Nuclear Test
Kim Jong-un failed to pay Beijing the reverence it has become accustomed to.
South Sudan Wants China to Pick Sides in Dispute
South Sudan, a major Chinese oil trading partner, says Beijing’s foreign policy failing.
Did China Win the Day in Navy Standoff?
China and the Philippines appear to have diffused a crisis in the South China Sea.
Chinese-Philippine Standoff in South China Sea
The Philippines dispatch more ships to a disputed shoal where they attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen.