Alex is an arts writer whose work has featured in The Economist and The Spectator.
At the heart of the relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Democratic Republic of Congo is money — but a series of one-sided deals favoring China in the past may have the Congolese more cautious when it comes to negotiating (and renegotiating) deals in the future.
The China-Kyrgyzstan relationship is stronger than it's ever been in its 31-year history. This was emphasized at the recent China-Central Asia Summit, and the goodwill may result in a rekindling of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Turkey is home to the largest community of Uyghurs outside of Xinjiang, and the government's support of this diaspora has resulted in harsh words between Ankara and Beijing. Still, both sides see more to gain than lose in maintaining a vibrant economic relationship.
Over the years, Sudan has tested China’s policy of non-interference in foreign affairs. As the Sudan crisis continues, China may think twice about making inroads into this oil-rich country.
"This popular fear and resentment of China will only make members of the U.S. Congress even more motivated to do more to contain the rise of China."
Hong Kong is among the safest cities in the world, but cases of violent crime, while rare, do exist — and when they happen, they often seize the public’s attention.
Coal mining is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, especially in China, where loosely enforced safety laws and substandard equipment make for perilous working conditions.
As all the interesting Chinese directors have gone underground, mainstream Chinese cinema seems to be struggling more than ever — financially and creatively.
“I wish the site had a ‘I don’t want to watch’ label. I would put it on all of the movies during this year’s National Day holiday!” said a user of Douban, a Chinese website where people review films and books.
With the movie "Hi, Mom," Jia Ling instantly became China’s most beloved female director. But her success came neither overnight nor by accident.