Freeman Chair in China Studies
The Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system, domestic agenda, and foreign policy
The CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system, domestic agenda, and foreign policy. Our work focuses on leadership politics, policymaking and decision-making processes, party-state governance, political discourse and the role of ideology, sources of political stability and risk, and how these dynamics affect the broader world.
The Freeman Chair in China Studies was established in 1994 to advance the study of China and promote understanding between the United States and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. It was founded by Houghton “Buck” Freeman (1921-2010).
Contact Information
- Michael Knaak
- Program Manager, Freeman Chair in China Studies
- 202.775.7316
- MKnaak@csis.org
Media Queries
- H. Andrew Schwartz
- Chief Communications Officer
- 202.775.3242
- ASchwartz@csis.org
- Sofia Chavez
- Media Relations Manager, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- SChavez@csis.org
Interpret: China is a Freeman Chair in China Studies project that seeks to enable a more objective understanding of China through the translation and analysis of primary source material.
The project seeks to transform how policymakers, companies, researchers, journalists and the broader public understand China.
Featured Analysis

Photo: dore art/Adobe Stock
Defining Success: Does the United States Need an “End State” for Its China Policy?
Report by Jude Blanchette and Lily McElwee — October 7, 2024

Advancing U.S.-China Coordination amid Strategic Competition: An Emerging Playbook
Brief by Ryan Hass, Ryan McElveen, and Lily McElwee — January 15, 2025

Building International Support for Taiwan
Brief by Jude Blanchette, Ryan Hass, and Lily McElwee — February 13, 2024
All Freeman Chair in China Studies Content
Filter by
Kurt Campbell on China Strategy and Diplomacy
Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — July 10, 2025

Rule of Law in China, 10 Years after the 709 Crackdown
Event — July 7, 2025
New Episodes of Pekingology Coming Soon
Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — July 1, 2025

China Across CSIS: The Influence of Xi Jinping’s Father, Xi Zhongxun
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin and Michael Knaak — June 26, 2025

An Indispensable Partner: U.S.-India relations in the Indo-Pacific
Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green and Richard M. Rossow — June 18, 2025

China Isn’t on the G7 Agenda, but It’s Still the Main Event
Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — June 16, 2025

China Isn’t on the G7 Agenda, but It’s Still the Main Event
Critical Questions by Henrietta Levin — June 16, 2025
China Across CSIS: What Are U.S. and NATO Views on China?
Podcast Episode by Victor Cha — June 12, 2025

Russia, the Newest Disrupter in Southeast Asia?
Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green — June 5, 2025

China Across CSIS: Lessons and Next Steps from Deals with China and the UK
Podcast Episode by Scott Miller and H. Andrew Schwartz — May 29, 2025
