China: Beyond Borders
NPR examines the many ways China is expanding its reach in the world — through investments, infrastructure, military power and more.
From inside China, it often appears as if modern Chinese power is more aimed at erasing a painful past than at writing a dominant future. But there is one topic where the peace-loving Chinese seem worryingly militaristic: Taiwan.
China's Rise: Inward-Looking Or Expansionist?
()From inside China, it can often seem that modern Chinese power is more aimed at erasing a painful past than at writing a dominant future. The problem is that with a growing military and with increasingly assertive foreign and commercial policies, China doesn't always look that way from outside.
China And Brazil Warm Up Business, Culture Ties()
June 29, 2011 Increasingly, Beijing is using a sophisticated charm offensive in its quest for new markets and resources. It's using this "soft power" approach in countries like Brazil, where it's found a receptive trading partner. And it has a model for its efforts: the United States.
China's Businesses Boom, But Its Brands Don't()
June 22, 2011 After 30 years of mind-bending economic growth, everyone knows about brand China — but very few people can name a Chinese brand. And the reasons for that are not just economic. To move to the next level, the country needs to adopt social and legal reforms, observers say.
Will Kenyan Superhighway Also Benefit China?()
June 21, 2011 Chinese companies are building a superhighway in Kenya to help expand the economy. The project is building good will and helping Chinese businesses penetrate the continent. But there's a downside to the growing Chinese presence: an influx of counterfeit goods and a rise in poaching.
Indians Uneasy As China Builds Ports Nearby()
June 20, 2011 Some members of India's military establishment fear Chinese-funded ports being developed in surrounding countries could later turn into military bases. Skeptics, however, say it's ill-advised to base Indian policy on a Chinese strategy that may or may not exist.
China's Growing Military Muscle: A Looming Threat?()
June 20, 2011 Beijing has long argued its army is primarily defensive, and Chinese senior officers insist the country is decades behind the U.S. But the speed of China's military development is unnerving its neighbors and the United States.
Italians Wary Of Chinese On Their Turf()
June 15, 2011 The Italian town of Prato is home to the largest concentration of Chinese residents in Europe. In this textile center, the Chinese have created a parallel, off-the-books economy — hiring illegal workers and selling items at low prices. As their wealth has grown, Italian resentment has spread.
In Nigeria, Chinatown Vendors Struggle For Profits()
June 15, 2011 Nigeria has Africa's largest Chinese population, and many Nigerians see Chinese businessmen as an unstoppable force. But some shop owners at the Chinatown in Lagos tell a different story.
Full Steam Ahead For China's Rail Links Abroad?()
June 14, 2011 China has ambitious plans for expanding high-speed rail systems throughout Southeast Asia and to Europe. And though Beijing is offering to foot much of the bill, negotiating the politics of building the rail links is tricky.
In Greece, Storm Brews Over Chinese-Run Labor()
June 8, 2011 Chinese shipping giant Cosco has locked in a $5 billion deal at the Greek port of Piraeus. For China, the pier is a strategic gateway for Chinese goods into Europe and beyond. But a former Cosco dockworker alleges mistreatment, and Greek officials have fined the company for labor violations.
Interactive Map: Explore China's Global Reach()
June 7, 2011 China has been steadily increasing its foreign investments outside of bonds in recent years. Explore where China is investing and where it has construction contracts in an interactive map.
As China Invests, Many Kazakhs Say: Not Too Fast()
June 7, 2011 Having broken from its past as a Soviet republic, Kazakhstan is now a proud country with an up-and-coming economy and a desire to be a player on the world stage. Neighbor China seems to be offering what Kazakhstan wants: investment and political ties. But many worry about losing Kazakhstan's identity.
China's Rise: Quest To 'Hug The World'?()
June 6, 2011 As it reemerges as a world power, the question is: Is China's awakening to be welcomed — or feared? Some point to peaceful 15th century explorer Zheng He to show that China is not an expansionist culture. But others say China's motivations have changed — and a peaceful rise will be difficult.
