Commentary

China’s initial posture following Hamas’ surprise terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 reflected a familiar strategy of minimizing risk by avoiding involvement and any sharp public statements. Notably, China has not specifically condemned Hamas’ October 7 actions, but has condemned violence against civilians and called for restraint by “all parties.”

The CAC, which was founded in 2011 as the country’s internet regulator and enforcer, is not a typical administrative agency in the executive branch of the government. Instead, the CAC is a party-state entity, closely intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and thus holds more power than most ministries under the leadership of Premier Li Qiang and the State Council. This arrangement adds to the challenges posed to companies, both domestic and foreign, operating in China.

Beijing seeks to promote the BRF as an event on par with other high profile multilateral engagements – and China as the leader of the Global South. Media reports, however, suggest that fewer high-level Western officials will attend the 2023 BRF than in years past.

Over the last few years, European leaders have switched their approach to Beijing from primarily one of forward-leaning engagement to one of select and uneven “de-risking.”