Washington and Beijing, between competition and interdependence
During his state visit in the United States, the Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a new model of relations between the two countries. In Alice Ekman’s opinion, the notion of a “new type of major power relations” invoked by China implies the establishment of a relationship that would put the country on an equal footing with the United States.
RAMSES 2016. Climat : une nouvelle chance ?
Written by Ifri's research team and its network of associates, the new RAMSES 2016 analyses geopolitics on a worldwide scale. The major theme of this 34th edition is Climate: A new chance? In addition, RAMSES 2016 tackles the insertion of Africa in globalization and the uncertainties of democracy today in post-industrial societies, but also in the South.
El desfile militar pone a prueba las tensas relaciones entre China y Japón
Los actos que esta semana organiza China para conmemorar el 70 aniversario de su victoria ante Japón, coronados por un desfile militar en la plaza de Tiananmen, plantean un nuevo desafío a los lazos entre Pekín y Tokio, ya dañados en los últimos años por desavenencias históricas y territoriales.
The defense posture of China
Alice Ekman comments the defense posture of China as Beijing is holding a large military parade on September 3rd.
The “One Belt, One Road” – Strategic Implications of a Chinese Infrastructure Network in Eurasia
China’s “One Belt, One Road” project, also known as the “New Silk Road”, aims to create a vast infrastructure network connecting three continents, with China playing the central role.
Shanghai’s stock market woes hit European financial centers
Claude Meyer answers Jean-Baptiste Boursier’s questions in “le Grand Angle” on BFMTV.
China’s growth declines, stock markets fall: what consequences should we be worried about?
All the European stock exchanges declined on Monday, as concerned investors looked with pessimism at China’s slowing growth. Paris lost 5.35 %. Claude Meyer discusses what consequences can be expected.
The economic consequences of Tianjin’s explosions
Five days after Tianjin’s impressive explosions, Toyota announced a three-day stop in the production of its city’s sites. The Japanese company is far from being the only one concerned.
The region, also known as Beijing’s maritime gateway, is one of the most dynamic in the country. No less than 540 million tones of merchandise transit through its harbor every year, making it the fourth biggest in the world.
“Tianjin is one of the spearheads of the Chinese economy”, summarizes Claude Meyer. “This catastrophe concerns about 300 multinationals among the world’s most important ones”. What will be the impact of these explosions on the Chinese economy?
"The Yuan isn’t ready to replace the Dollar"
China’s ambition is to become a great financial power. But the necessary reform of its financial system and its will to act progressively could mean that it will be a long time before its exchange rate system is liberalized. Can the Yuan realistically become an international currency?
Devaluation of the Yuan: Claude Meyer answers Yves Bourdillon
Is the sudden devaluation of the Yuan a sign of some form of panic from Beijing following the slowed growth of the Chinese economy?
Does this decision create deflationary risks for the global economy?
What prospects for the Yuan’s international status?
Russia’s New Energy Alliances: Mythology versus Reality
This brief paper analyzes the energy relations between Russia and its “new” energy partnerships – with China and Turkey – that the Kremlin tends to publicly promote as an alternative to energy relations with the West.
China and Africa: the Honeymoon is Over
For the new geopolitical reality called “Chinafrica”, the future may not be destined to be as radiant as the official win-win rhetoric would have us believe. Although the beginning of the century was notable for the exponential development of Sino-African trade (which grew from $10 billion in 2000 to $210 billion in 2013), a series of emerging problems seem to be signalling that the Sino-African honeymoon is over and that we are back with the harsh realities of the globalised economy.
Understanding China’s Financial Expansion
In this interview, Claude Meyer underlines the three major vulnerabilities of the Chinese economy, and describes the investments China has made since the early 2000’s to address them.
L'empire de la classe du milieu
Apparue en même temps que le miracle économique, la population des couches moyennes incarne un pays en pleine mutation : confort matériel, meilleure éducation, ouverture sur le monde... mais aussi rupture avec les valeurs traditionnelles.
China looking to learn from France about Africa
Trade is the focus of a three-day visit to France that Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang started on Tuesday. Beyond deals with French companies, China and France are expected to sign an agreement on joint infrastructure projects in Asia and Africa.
Chine/Corée du Sud/Japon: un passé qui ne passe pas
Cet été marque le 70ème anniversaire de la fin de la deuxième guerre mondiale avec le largage des bombes atomiques sur Hiroshima et Nagasaki en Août 1945. Alors que les relations entre la Chine et la Corée du Sud sont au beau fixe, Pékin et Séoul entretiennent des rapports tendus avec Tokyo.
Le changement politique tente peu la classe moyenne chinoise
Michel de Grandi présente les conclusions de l'étude d'Alice Ekman sur les classes moyennes chinoises.
China’s Emerging Middle Class: What Political Impact?
This research paper argues that, contrary to what is often believed, most of the Chinese middle class appears to be politically conservative, and may not challenge the current political order as much as is expected, for several reasons; first of all, because of its strong connection to the Communist Party of China and the civil service in broader terms. Nonetheless, Chinese middle households are increasingly voicing their concern about a set of issues directly affecting them, such as pollution, either in the street or online.
What is China's vision in shaping cooperative frameworks? Interview with Richard W.X. Hu
Richard W.X. Hu, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong, analyzed China's role in the regional economic integration process.
- What is China’s vision in shaping cooperative frameworks?
- What is China’s rationale behind setting up the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
- What is your prognosis for the future of a China-Japan-Korea cooperative framework?
Click here to read the program of the conference.
Ifri, a foundation recognized as being of public utility, relies largely on private donors – companies and individuals – to guarantee its sustainability and intellectual independence. Through their funding, donors help maintain the Institute's position among the world's leading think tanks. By benefiting from an internationally recognized network and expertise, donors refine their understanding of geopolitical risk and its consequences on global politics and the economy. In 2026, Ifri partners with over 90 French and international companies and organizations.
