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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Tracking China’s Naval Modernization at Key Shipyards

Work continues apace on a rapid buildup of China’s navy. Recent satellite imagery of Jiangnan Shipyard and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard shows significant progress on China’s third aircraft carrier, a new Type 075 amphibious assault ship, and several other new vessels. 

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Samantha Lu — November 21, 2023

Submarine Diplomacy

Recent satellite imagery reveals China’s use of submarine diplomacy to advance its interests along the strategically important Bay of Bengal. Beijing’s efforts there could help its navy gain access to facilities to support operations in the region.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Aidan Powers-Riggs and Jennifer Jun — November 17, 2023

Analyzing the Latest Xi-Putin Meeting and China’s Belt and Road Forum

From October 17–18, China hosted the third Belt and Road forum, during which Xi Jinping met one-on-one with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Read analysis of the Xi-Putin meeting and forum by members of the China Power Project.  

Commentary by Bonny Lin Brian Hart Samantha Lu and Yu-Jie (Grace) Liao — October 23, 2023

China Accelerates Construction of ‘Ro-Ro’ Vessels, with Potential Military Implications

Amid surging demand for Chinese-made vehicles, Chinese shipyards are gearing up to build record numbers of “roll on-roll off” (ro-ro) car transport ships. While they appear innocuous, China’s military has a record of using commercial ro-ros to enhance its capabilities. 

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Jaehyun Han and Jennifer Jun — October 11, 2023

Press Briefing: Previewing the BRICS 2023 Summit

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will host a call-in press briefing on Friday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m. EDT, to preview the 15th BRICS Summit, to be held August 22–24 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Event — August 18, 2023

Is China a Leader in Quantum Technologies?

China is investing heavily in the emerging field of quantum technologies, which promise to enable revolutionary breakthroughs in sensing, communication, and computing. This ChinaPower feature examines China’s quantum ambitions and growing capabilities.

Commentary by Brian Hart Bonny Lin Samantha Lu Hannah Price and Matthew Slade — August 16, 2023

Mineral Monopoly: China’s Control over Gallium Is a National Security Threat

China has secured a virtual monopoly over gallium, a critical mineral used to produce microchips in advanced military technologies. Failing to de-risk gallium supply chains could have serious security and economic consequences for the United States and its allies.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart and Aidan Powers-Riggs — July 18, 2023

Debunking Reports of ‘Cracks’ in China’s Third Aircraft Carrier

Misinformation has spread online about China’s third aircraft carrier, with netizens posting images that purportedly show large cracks in the vessel’s deck. This ChinaPower analysis uses satellite imagery to debunk these claims.

Commentary by Brian Hart Matthew P. Funaiole and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — June 13, 2023