Wrapping up a remarkable 10 days in Central Asia w/ U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues sinocentric + Alley McFarland. In Astana today w/Inst for World Economics and Politics, Foreign Policy Studies Inst, Iskander Akylbayev and many others. Many thanks to our hosts!

Continuing through Central Asia, now in Kazakhstan, with U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues, stopping in Almaty and Astana. Thanks to our hosts in government, think tanks, universities and NGOs for excellent insights on China’s growing role in the region.

Great stay in Tashkent with U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues. Enjoyed our discussions about China in the region, including yesterday’s meeting with Institute of Advanced International Studies as well with other senior current and former officials. Now on to Bishkek.

Fun first (for me) in Tashkent--a ride from the local equivalent of Uber in a brand new electric
'红旗' (Red Flag/Hong Qi) limo. Lots of Chinese electric cars here (BYD, etc.), but by far the dominant autos are Chevrolets, built by the local former GM (now UzAuto Motors) plant.

At the beginning of a 10-day research trip in Central Asia (Tashkent, Bishkek, Almaty, Astana) w/ U.S. Institute of Peace colleagues sinocentric + Alley McFarland to explore China's relations in the region. Learning a lot from great meetings with officials, former officials, experts.

Also, check out my new website: batesgill.com

Congrats David and great news for Kippenberger and for Mike! The Kippenberger visiting professorship is an excellent opportunity--enjoy!

My comments in Domino Theory: “Real military responses to China ... will not emanate from the Quad' but 'from the United States and the U.S. system of alliances and security partners. In the end, the Quad is simply not a military alliance.” Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

dominotheory.com/would-the-quad…

Today we say farewell to a great colleague, Philipp Ivanov. Congrats + many thanks for your 9 year career with Asia Society, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) + Asia SocietyAus + for your success in making these institutions stronger + more impactful. Looking fwd to working with you in the future.

What are the key trends for Asia/China in 2024? Had an excellent exchange on this question in Melbourne this week with Australian business leaders, including chance to present China 2024: What to Watch #AsiaSocietyAustralia #AsiaAgenda Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

Wang Yi Munich speech asserts PRC efforts to address regional instability, w/emphasis on role in Global South to 'increas[e] developing countries’ representation ... in global affairs' for a 'more balanced and effective global governance architecture'

fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_6…

How many of the CCP Central Committee's 205 members do you need to appoint a General Secretary?

Only 52, by the letter of the Party's own regulations.

I analyze mechanics and scenarios for succession, the biggest 'known unknown' of Chinese politics:

asiasociety.org/policy-institu…

Fantastic new article by Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) Center for China Analysis Neil Thomas 牛犇 on 'Xi Jinping's Succession Dilemma'. Neil has again set himself apart with this incisive analysis.

asiasociety.org/policy-institu…