Matthew P. Funaiole

Vice President, iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and Senior Fellow, China Power Project
Matthew P. Funaiole

Matthew P. Funaiole is vice president of iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and senior fellow of China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He specializes in using data-driven research to unpack complex policy issues, specifically those related to Chinese foreign and security policy, cross-Strait relations, and maritime trade. From late 2015 through mid-2020, he was the principal researcher for the ChinaPower website. Prior to joining CSIS, Dr. Funaiole taught international relations and foreign policy analysis at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, where he also completed his doctoral research. Dr. Funaiole is also engaged in several creative writing projects, and he is an avid photography enthusiast.

Programs & Projects

Areas of Expertise

Media Queries

In the News

All Matthew P. Funaiole Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 56 results

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

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

Audio Briefs

“Mineral Monopoly”: Audio Brief with Matthew Funaiole

A short, spoken-word summary from CSIS’s Matthew Funaiole on his report with Brian Hart and Aidan Powers-Riggs, Mineral Monopoly: China’s Control over Gallium Is a National Security Threat.

Podcast Episode by Matthew P. Funaiole — July 21, 2023

Audio Briefs

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

Changxing Island: The Epicenter of China’s Naval Modernization

Work is currently underway to transform Shanghai’s Changxing Island into a colossal “shipbuilding base.” Satellite imagery analyzed by ChinaPower shows the island’s facilities are being rapidly expanded to make room for the relocation of another shipyard.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. Jennifer Jun and Samantha Lu — May 18, 2023

Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions

Chinese scientific research and commercial investments in the Arctic and Antarctica have elevated China’s voice in polar affairs, but its growing physical footprint in the world’s most remote frontiers also advance China’s broader strategic and military interests.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole Brian Hart Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 18, 2023

Making Sense of China’s Government Budget

Chinese government budget reports provide insights into the country’s priorities and fiscal health, but they can be difficult to parse, and the topline figures only tell part of the story. This ChinaPower feature untangles the details behind China’s government budget.

Commentary by Brian Hart Bonny Lin Matthew P. Funaiole Samantha Lu Hannah Price and Matthew Slade — March 15, 2023