China Focus

Xudong Zhu argues that "Europe built its prosperity on a structure that now seems distorted: security guarantees from the United States, cheap energy from Russia, and China’s industrial chain." That arrangement may no longer be tenable. Read more: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2025/09/…

As global politics grows more fragmented, even old rivalries can shift in unexpected ways. Luke Matthews looks at what the future of cautious Sino-Indian "neighborly" relations could mean for U.S. strategy: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2025/09/…

The contrasting success of China's robotics v. aerospace sectors illustrates its uneven push for tech self-reliance and leadership. 2025 contest-winner Pablo Dufour explores a "state caught between what it can build and what it cannot yet own." Read: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2025/08/…

The gaokao's centrality to success in China has entrenched it as "an untouchable 'third rail' of Chinese politics," says @andrewbatson. Read his reflections on the gaokao and @rxjia and Hongbin Li's book, "The Highest Exam" here: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2026/01/…

One more week to apply to China Focus's annual essay contest! We look forward to reading your submission. Find the guidelines here: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2026/02/…

Since 2018, 🇺🇸-🇨🇳 competition has been reshaping the economic and political landscape of the Asia-Pacific region. Share your unique angle on how countries are facing this period of strategic uncertainty with an original essay by April 10. Details 👉: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2026/02/…

Can the 🇺🇸 and 🇨🇳 balance competition with collaboration? If you have an idea, submit your original essay to China Focus by April 10 for a chance to win top prizes of $1,000. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to apply. Details here 👉: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2026/02/…

The Jakarta–Bandung high-speed rail offers a window into China’s regional strategy in Southeast Asia: build fast, finance big, attach minimal conditions. Xinchen Zhao and Chengrun Li ask whether that model can deliver lasting influence. Read more: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2025/10/…

Calling all students! Do you have fresh ideas to share on U.S.-China relations? Submit an original essay for a chance to win two top prizes of $1,000. Deadline: April 10, 2026. See details: chinafocus.ucsd.edu/2026/02/… cc: @CarterCenter, @1990Institute, @21CenturyChina

We're China Focus, a graduate publication at UC San Diego's Global Policy School. Calling all students from around the world: the 2024 China Focus Essay Contest has been extended until May 1st! (11:59 PM PST) Come visit us at chinafocus.ucsd.edu/ Details below 👇👇👇