China 201s are a series of concise, substantive briefs designed to support congressional staff and policymakers seeking a foundational background on key China-related issues. Drawing from previously published Commission Annual Reports, China 201s provide a quick reference to the Commission’s existing research on issues central to U.S.–China economic and security relations.
New briefs will be added to the series on a rolling basis, continuing to address the critical policy issues that define the U.S.-China relationship and U.S. national security.
Beijing's One China Principle and the U.S. One China Policy
Summary:
Though Beijing attempts to conflate the issue of “One China,” Beijing’s “One China principle” and the U.S. “One China policy” are very different. Beijing’s One China principle claims that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In contrast, the U.S. One China policy does not take an official stance on the PRC’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. Rather, the United States only “acknowledges” Beijing’s position “that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China." [Continue reading]
China's External Propaganda Activities
Summary:
External propaganda work refers to the Party-state’s efforts to shape the attitudes of foreign audiences through propaganda. Like united front work, external propaganda work is also based on Leninist principles of information control and has been practiced by the CCP since the 1920s. The CCP leaders of the past and present have viewed external propaganda work as a means of cultivating positive global attitudes toward China, countering what they view as hostile foreign propaganda about China, publicizing the CCP’s stance on important issues, promoting Chinese culture abroad, and enhancing China’s ability to set the global agenda. External propaganda work reinforces united front work by influencing the attitudes of key overseas constituencies and is sometimes implemented by the same organizations within the Party-state bureaucracy. [Continue reading]
China's Three Global Initiatives
Summary:
Beijing continues to promote three mutually reinforcing foreign policy initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. Each is aimed at reshaping global governance in ways amenable to CCP interests. Now featuring prominently in China’s new Foreign Relations Law, the three initiatives establish a blueprint for constructing a new global governance system to replace the rules-based international order lead by the United States and its allies. [Continue reading]
China's United Front Work
Summary:
United front work is a way of managing relationships with important groups and individuals outside of the CCP that is based on Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin’s concept of forming a “united front,” or a temporary alliance with one’s friends and lesser enemies, to defeat greater enemies. Contemporary united front work encapsulates the various activities of CCP organs, Chinese government agencies, and their affiliates to coopt or coerce groups outside of the CCP—including but certainly not limited to foreigners—into comporting with the Party’s demands and advancing Chinese national interests as the CCP defines them. Chinese leaders from Mao Zedong onward have affirmed the importance of united front work, describing it as a “magic weapon” for defeating the CCP’s enemies. [Continue reading]
Hong Kong's National Security Law and Article 23 Ordinance
Summary:
On June 30, 2020, China’s government passed national security legislation for Hong Kong without regard for the rights of the people of Hong Kong or Beijing’s international treaty commitment to grant Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy.” In a bold assertion of power, the Chinese government took steps to implement the national security law immediately after passing it, quickly changing the political, economic, and security landscape for Hong Kong and its citizens. The CCP appeared to judge the benefits of implementing the law would outweigh any potential costs imposed by the international community. This move reflected the CCP’s growing tolerance for risk and disregard for inter-national condemnation of its actions. [Continue reading]
The U.S. Government's Taiwan Policy Framework
Summary:
U.S. government policy toward Taiwan is based on the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act (Pub. L. No. 96-8), the three U.S.-PRC joint communiques, and the “Six Assurances” to Taiwan. [Continue reading]