China in Transition

A more aggressive mainland leadership and more skeptical Taiwanese populace are forcing Taiwan's two main political parties to emphasize national sovereignty.

The contrasting treatment of two fragile Chinese companies hints at Beijing’s goal of eliminating risk in real estate investment.

The postponement signals an intent to avoid jeopardizing the city’s status as a foreign business hub. But Beijing could still impose the sweeping measures later.

Beijing is working on an official digital currency that will eventually increase its ability to surveil financial flows across the world’s second-largest economy.

Without changes to China’s “hukou” system that assigns citizens with rural or urban residency, cities like Suzhou will continue jostling for a limited supply of skilled labor.

Scrutiny of Chinese tech firms will likely continue until Beijing is confident in its control and oversight over crucial data flows.

Beijing’s outsized influence on the cross-strait economic relationship will limit Taipei to defensive policies in the coming years.

The likely rescue of China’s biggest state lender would show that Beijing’s enthusiasm for market discipline ends when its reputation is threatened.

Tehran will aim to balance increased cooperation with Beijing by pursuing sanctions relief from the U.S. and overall deeper ties with Western countries.