Recent Articles

For many universities in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe, engagement with Chinese institutions can represent an immense opportunity. But what are the hidden costs to the core values of higher education in Europe?

As activist Joshua Wong invoked the Cold War and the Berlin Wall while reiterating his cause for free elections and greater autonomy in Hong Kong, a social media account operated by the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper went on the attack. 

Through the strength of its economic growth figures year after year, China has projected an image of fundamental economic strength. But a closer look at the numbers exposes profound structural issues that should help cool down fear and envy in the West.  

After four decades of legal reforms in China, "rule of law" has become a term commonly used in dialogues between European and Chinese counterparts. But if we omit the subject and object of the term this creates confusion. For any legal system, the most basic question should be: Who is rule of law meant to serve?  

Perceptions of China are often driven by frames, or myths, that hinder our understanding of the facts. Where do these myths come from? And what assumptions are we making when we employ them? 

Empty container cars heading home on the China Railway Express have long symbolized for some the lack of reciprocality in trade with China, which exports more to Europe than it buys. But what does it mean when most of the trains coming from China are empty? 

The European Union has moved toward closer defense cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in light of China's increasingly aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. What does the new agreement signed between the EU and Vietnam this month actually mean? And what is at stake? 

As nationalistic Chinese internet youth rallied on a popular message board to plan an attack on media and platforms outside China's Great Firewall to oppose demonstrations in Hong Kong, they invoked disturbing notes from Germany's past. 

Nestled deep in the mountains of southern Bulgaria is the most unlikely of connections, between a tiny village and a multinational food and beverage giant based in the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai.