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).

 

Meet Our Experts

Learn more about the Freeman Chair in China Studies through our experts, staff, and non-resident affiliates.

Henrietta Levin

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Media Queries

Interpret: China

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.

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Featured Analysis

Photo: RocknRoller Studios/Adobe Stock

Photo: RocknRoller Studios/Adobe Stock

Understanding Global South Perspectives on Taiwan

The CSIS Freeman Chair convened an international task force on Taiwan and the Global South. Members evaluated the state of Taiwan’s relationships in the Global South, opportunities to expand engagement, and Global South perspectives on cross-Strait issues.

Brief by Henrietta Levin and Hugh Grant-Chapman — January 16, 2026

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Freeman Chair Events

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Watch past Freeman Chair events and find out about our upcoming events.

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Podcasts

All Freeman Chair in China Studies Content

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Pekingology

Inside the China-Russia Partnership

Henrietta Levin is joined by Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. They examine how Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have deepened their ties, what China gains from supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, and where the limits of their “no-limits” partnership may lie.

Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — June 11, 2026

CSIS Pekingology
Southeast Asia Radio

Trump-Xi Summit Outcomes for Southeast Asia with Amb. Edgard Kagan

On this episode, Greg and Elina were joined by Amb. Edgard Kagan to discuss what the recent Trump-Xi summit means for Southeast Asia. Lauren and Japhet cover the latest, from Indonesian export controls to Luzon Economic Corridor updates.

Podcast Episode by CSIS Scholars — June 5, 2026

CSIS Southeast Asia Radio
Pekingology

Can China Control North Korea?

Henrietta Levin is joined by Adam Farrar to unpack China’s complex relationship with North Korea. They discuss what the Trump-Xi summit revealed about Beijing’s position on denuclearization, how much leverage China actually has over Pyongyang, and why Kim Jong Un keeps creating problems for Xi. 

Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin and Adam Farrar — May 28, 2026

CSIS Pekingology
The Asia Chessboard

Grand Strategy Down Under

Mike sits down with Justin Bassi to examine Australia’s latest 2026 National Defence Strategy and what it reveals about Canberra’s evolving strategic outlook.

Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green — May 26, 2026

CSIS The Asia Chess Board
Pekingology

Trump and Xi Meet in China

Henrietta Levin is joined by Jon Czin to discuss the May 14-15 summit between President Trump and President Xi in Beijing.

Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — May 15, 2026

CSIS Pekingology
Audio Briefs

Unpacking President Trump’s Visit to China | State of Play

An audio version of "⁠Unpacking President Trump’s Visit to China | State of Play⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS's Edgard D. Kagan and Bonny Lin. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Edgard D. Kagan and Bonny Lin — May 15, 2026

Audio Briefs

Unpacking President Trump’s Visit to China | State of Play

President Trump’s historic state visit to China came amid heightened geopolitical tension surrounding Iran, and both sides entered the talks with sharply different priorities. Even so, the summit produced a framework for deeper cooperation and delivered several economic gains.

Commentary by Edgard D. Kagan and Bonny Lin — May 15, 2026