Brian Hart

Fellow, China Power Project
Brian Hart

Brian Hart is a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he researches the evolving nature of Chinese power. His particular research interests include Chinese foreign and security policy, Chinese military modernization, and U.S.-China technological competition. Prior to joining the China Power Project, he conducted research on Chinese politics and foreign policy for the Project 2049 Institute, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, and Trivium China. Brian earned his MA with honors in China studies and international economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He also has a graduate certificate in China studies ​from the SAIS Hopkins-Nanjing Center and holds a BA with honors in politics and international affairs from Wake Forest University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

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Dire Straits: China’s Push to Secure Its Energy Interests in the Middle East

To meet its vast energy needs, China is expanding its footprint along the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for transporting oil. As Beijing looks to secure its interests in the region, it may leverage commercial inroads to further military and intelligence activities.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , and Lily McElwee — February 3, 2023

Black and White image of Chinese Naval

Eyes on the Skies: China's Growing Space Footprint in South America

China has laid out a bold vision for its ambitions in space. While Beijing insists that it utilizes space for peaceful purposes and aspires to make scientific achievements in space, its emergence as a space power poses potential risks to other countries.  

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Dana Kim , Brian Hart , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — October 4, 2022

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China Readies to Launch Its Newest, Most Advanced Aircraft Carrier

Satellite imagery from June 14 reveals that the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier, the Type 003, is imminent. The vessel’s flight deck has been cleared of equipment and decorated with pennant flags and banners, and the ship’s dry dock has been flooded.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian Hart — June 15, 2022

Photo: Planet Labs

China Gears Up to Launch Its Third Aircraft Carrier

China is gearing up to launch its largest, most advanced aircraft carrier, the Type 003. Satellite imagery from May 31 shows the dry dock housing the carrier has been cleared of other shipbuilding projects, leaving an open path for the vessel to enter the Yangtze River.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian Hart — June 2, 2022

Photo: Maxar Technologies

Big Military Upside to China’s New Bridge across Pangong Lake

Satellite imagery shows China is making progress on constructing a bridge over Pangong Lake that could significantly speed up the movement of Chinese military forces along the hotly contested China-India border.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Smarika Bista — March 10, 2022

Photo: iLab/CSIS

In the Shadow of Warships

How foreign companies help modernize China’s navy

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — December 15, 2021

Photo: Naval Air Crewman 1st Class Justin Sherman/U.S. Air Force

Signs Point to China's Third Aircraft Carrier Launching Soon

Steady progress on the construction of China’s third aircraft carrier has continued throughout 2021, and the vessel may be launched in the coming months.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Brian Hart — November 9, 2021

Photo: Maxar Technologies