China’s territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea have remained largely consistent since 1949. While China has become more assertive in exercising those claims in recent years, its actions have not been solely responsible for tensions in the region. The involvement of non-claimants has neither facilitated a settlement of the disputes nor reversed China’s growing military advantage in the area. Beijing’s interests point to continuing its current policy of managing the disputes through dialogue with fellow claimants.

Australia is a thriving, inventive democracy, but measured reforms would strengthen and protect political institutions.

As China shapes the world, who are the people shaping China? This brief discusses seven prominent people in China whose lives reflect a diverse and fast-evolving society.

The Chinese foreign policy establishment appear determined to resist Trump’s trade offensive. They have asserted China’s position on Taiwan through both direct pressure and diplomacy, and sought to maintain a productive though defined partnership with Russia as well as amiable working relationships with the rest of Europe. They espoused a vision for a multipolar world organised through multilateral international institutions that better reflect China’s status.

This brief provides an overview of recent commentary from Chinese official and state-affiliated sources about China’s foreign policy.