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Tom Harper

Tom Harper

The Conversation

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US blockade of Strait of Hormuz ratchets up tensions with China ahead of Trump visit to Beijing

An episode where a China-linked vessel appeared to challenge the blockade shows how explosive this situation could be.

15.04.2026 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

China set to suffer from turmoil in the Middle East, but it stands to benefit long term

The war in Iran is likely to lead to several issues for China, but it also presents Beijing with opportunities.

03.03.2026 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

Why China is watching Trump’s Venezuela campaign closely

US intervention in Latin America could put China’s influence there in jeopardy.

05.12.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

What will Trump’s deal with Xi mean for the US economy and relations with China? Expert Q&A

Will Trump’s meeting with Xi lower the temperature between China and the US?

30.10.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

Labubu is not the only Chinese cultural icon to be making a big hit in 2025

China’s pop culture is a big hit in 2025. It could help the country’s image.

08.09.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

China’s increased military might gives it new weapon in challenging global order

China’s advanced military weaponry is now being purchased by other nations.

06.08.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

By building the world’s biggest dam, China hopes to control more than just its water supply

The Motuo hydropower project will be four times the size of the gigantic Three Gorges dam, the next biggest hydropower project in the world.

31.07.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

China’s interest in the next Dalai Lama is also about control of Tibet’s water supply

Access to water is one reason why China sees control over Tibet as increasingly important.

09.07.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

Why Trump fails to understand China’s trade war tactics, and what his negotiators should be reading

US diplomats may do well to read some Chinese history to understand Beijing’s tactics in any trade talks.

07.05.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

What the spiralling trade war means for relations between the US and China

Donald Trump has turned up the heat on China, hiking tariffs up to 125%.

10.04.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper

China: Xi Jinping has learned from Trump’s first trade war and is ready to fight back

China is less afraid of Trump’s tariffs than it was in his first term.

21.02.2025 10

The Conversation

Tom Harper