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

Learn More

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 […]

Learn More

China Trade Deal – Timeout, not a Treaty

China Trade Deal – Timeout, not a Treaty

Learn More

How China is Handling the Trade War

How China is Handling the Trade War

Learn More

Countering China’s Manufacturing Dominance

Countering China’s Manufacturing Dominance

Learn More

Tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico

Tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico

Learn More

Content

Banner for SFD USA Early Findings Events by Small Firm Diaries, inviting people to learn about support for small firms and workers, with two American flags in the background.

Americas, Development, Event, External Link, Finance

Small Firm Diaries USA: Early Findings Events Learn More

March 18, 2026

A person’s hands are open beside a laptop and smartphone, with a glowing digital globe and light particles floating above, symbolizing global technology and connectivity.

Americas, Artificial Intelligence, Blog, Development, Finance, Indo-Pacific, Middle East & Africa

The Infrastructure of Intelligence Is the New Development Divide Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 18, 2026

Four people stand smiling and posing indoors between two rows of international flags, with a circular emblem on the wall behind them. Three make a shaka hand gesture. The floor is shiny and reflective.

Strengthening Pacific Resilience: Infrastructure and Development Partnerships in the Pacific Islands Learn More

by Mark Kennedy

March 16, 2026

Colorful international flags line the front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, with modern high-rise buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.

Alliances, Geoeconomics, Geopolitics, Policy Brief, Strategic Competition

Middle Power Agency Calls Amid Rules-Based Order and Spheres of Influence Anxiety Learn More

by Prashanth Parameswaran

March 11, 2026

Defense, Geopolitics, Podcast, Security, Supply Chains, Trade, Transportation

Maritime Nation Podcast: Ports of Power and China’s Maritime Toolkit Learn More

by Lea Thome, Mark Kennedy

March 11, 2026

Artificial Intelligence, Development, Industrial Policy, Policy Brief, Stacks of Trust, Technology, Trusted Tech Alliance

The AI Race Will Be Won in the Market Learn More

by Daniela Muhaj, Mark Kennedy

March 9, 2026

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

<< < > >>