US-China Relations Updates

The China Index is an initiative of Doublethink Lab (Doublethink), a civil society organization (CSO) devoted to studying the malign influence of digital authoritarianism. Doublethink’s strengths lie in the ability to combine a diverse set of research approaches in the social, behavioral, and computational sciences to study state-funded propaganda campaigns, psychological warfare, and related information operations. Doublethink seeks to foster global networks connecting academics, democracy movements, digital communities, like-minded CSOs, and experts on the People’s Republic of China, in order to strengthen global democratic resilience.

The “China Index: Measuring PRC Influence Around the Globe” report by Doublethink Lab, a civil society organization based in Taiwan, captures PRC (  the People’s Republic of China) influence across nine domains: Academia,  Domestic Politics, Economy, Foreign Policy, Law Enforcement, Media, Military, Society, and Technology.

Each domain contains 11 indicators that correspond to an observable phenomenon of PRC influence. The report presents comparable data collected by regional partners through collaboration with local experts.

Here is a brief description of each domain and its indicators:

1. Media: This domain measures PRC influence on media outlets in other countries, including the ownership of media companies, the extent of Chinese state media presence, and the influence of Chinese propaganda.
2. Academia: This domain measures the PRC’s influence on academic institutions, including the number of Confucius Instituts, Confucius Institutes, the presence of Chinese students and scholars, and the extent of academic collaboration between China and other countries.
3. Economy: This domain measures PRC economic influence, including trade and investment relationships, the impact of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the presence of Chinese companies in other countries.
4. Society: This domain measures the PRC’s influence on civil society organizations and social movements in other countries, including the extent of Chinese funding and support for these organizations.
5. Military: This domain measures PRC military influence, including the presence of Chinese military personnel and bases overseas, Chinese arms sales, and the extent of military cooperation with other countries.

1. Law Enforcement: This domain measures the PRC’s influence on law enforcement Law agency law enforcement agencies in other countries, including the extent of cooperation on criminal investigations and the presence of Chinese law enforcement personnel in other countries.
2. Technology: This domain measures the PRC’s influence on technology and innovation in other countries, including the extent of Chinese investment in technology companies and the impact of Chinese technology standards.
3. Domestic Politics: This domain measures PRC influence on domestic politics in other countries, including Chinese-backed political parties, Chinese influence on elections and political campaigns, and the extent of Chinese involvement in domestic policy-making.
4. Foreign Policy: This domain measures the PRC’s influence on other countries’ foreign policies, including the extent of cooperation and alignment with China on international issues.

Overall, the report provides a detailed and comprehensive assessment of the PRC’s influence across these nine domains, highlighting the different ways in which China is exerting its influence on the global stage.

The “China Index: Measuring PRC Influence Around the Globe” report by Doublethink Lab already includes a comprehensive set of indicators to measure PRC influence across different domains. However, depending on the specific research question and context, additional indicators could be considered. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Environmental Indicators: China is the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter and its environmental policies and practices have significant implications for global climate change. Including indicators that measure China’s environmental impact, such as its carbon emissions, air, and water pollution levels, and environmental regulations, could provide a better understanding of the country’s global influence.
2. Health Indicators: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of global health and the role of China in managing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. Including indicators that measure China’s role in global health, such as its investments in healthcare, research, and development of vaccines, and response to global health crises, could provide insights into China’s influence in this domain.
3. Education Indicators: China has become a major destination for international students and has also been expanding its influence in education through initiatives such as the Confucius Institutes. Including indicators that measure China’s role in education, such as the number of international students, the presence of Chinese language and culture programs, and the extent of academic exchanges and collaborations, could provide a better understanding of China’s influence in this domain.
4. Infrastructure Indicators: China’s Belt and Road Initiative have been a major driver of its economic influence, but it has also raised concerns about debt sustainability and the impact of Chinese infrastructure projects on local communities and the environment. Including indicators that measure the impact of Chinese infrastructure projects, such as the number of projects, their cost and scale, and their social and environmental impact, could provide insights into China’s influence in this domain.

Overall, each additional indicator brings a unique perspective and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of China’s global influence. The choice of which indicators to prioritize will depend on the specific research question and context.

Last but not least, if we can see a report on USA’s influence on the same 82 countries, that will be more interesting to read and valuable!

You can view this report Here: https://china-index.io/about

Also Youtube discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLXdlRYrND4