China

Overview

China’s state-led approach to trade, technology, infrastructure, and security presents a systemic challenge to open development models. From AI governance to global lending practices, Beijing is reshaping the rules of economic engagement. The Institute studies how open societies can advance transparency, innovation, and equitable cooperation to counter coercive approaches.

Strategic Question 

Can open economies maintain competitiveness and uphold inclusive development while navigating deep interdependence with a state power reshaping global norms?

Featured

America’s Private-Capital Advantage – How to Outcompete Chinese State Capitalism

America’s Private-Capital Advantage – How to Outcompete Chinese State Capitalism

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Outrunning the Dragon Means Running Together

Outrunning the Dragon Means Running Together

Author’s Note This essay opens my new series, Toward a Trusted Tech Alliance, exploring how democracies can move from fragmentation to common cause in the digital era. At its core is what I call a Digital Steel Accord — in other words, a foundational agreement on data and AI standards, narrow enough to be practical […]

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China Trade Deal – Timeout, not a Treaty

China Trade Deal – Timeout, not a Treaty

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How China is Handling the Trade War

How China is Handling the Trade War

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Countering China’s Manufacturing Dominance

Countering China’s Manufacturing Dominance

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Tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico

Tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico

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Content

A row of tall electrical transmission towers stands on a green field under a cloudy sky at sunset, carrying power lines across the landscape.

Barron’s Interview: Infrastructure Is a Booming Asset Class Learn More

March 6, 2026

Americas, Capital That Connects, Europe, Finance, Indo-Pacific, Industrial Policy, Middle East & Africa, Policy Brief, Stacks of Trust, Strategic Competition, Technology, Trade, Trusted Tech Alliance

From Architecture to Execution: What It Will Take to Scale a Trusted AI Stack Learn More

by Mark Kennedy, Jeffrey Kucik

March 5, 2026

A news broadcast shows a split screen with reporters, a government chamber, and a group of men in suits at a podium. The headline reads, Mark Kennedy - NYUs Wahba Initiative for Strategic Competition.

China, Conflict, Energy, Geopolitics, Middle East & Africa, TV Interviews

China’s Strategic Calculus in the Iran Crisis Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 5, 2026

Promotional banner for the Honolulu International Forum featuring a photo of Mark Kennedy. Event details include a discussion on AI and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, held March 17, 2026, at The Pacific Club, Honolulu.

AI, Infrastructure, and Alliance Systems in an Era of Technological Acceleration Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 1, 2026

A large container ship loaded with colorful shipping containers is docked at a port, with tall yellow cranes lifting containers on and off the ship under a cloudy sky.

Defense, Finance, Geoeconomics, Infrastructure, Policy Brief, Security, Supply Chains, Trade

Ports of Power Learn More

by Lea Thome, Mark Kennedy

February 26, 2026

A rough mineral specimen with a striking light blue crystalline formation embedded in a matrix of white and tan rock, displayed against a black background.

Media, Supply Chains

Project Vault Sends Positive Signals to Stakeholders, But They Want More Details Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

February 23, 2026

Rows of tall, illuminated server racks stand in a high-tech data center, glowing with blue and red lights under a reflective ceiling, creating a futuristic and organized atmosphere.

Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Energy, Finance, Infrastructure

AI Is Infrastructure, Not Software Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

February 17, 2026

A glowing computer microchip with blue circuitry sits surrounded by metallic, gold-like rocks and nuggets on a dark reflective surface, symbolizing technology and precious resources.

Blog, Middle East & Africa, Supply Chains

From Diagnosis to Deployment: Why EXIM’s Project Vault Matters Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

February 11, 2026

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