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 and the dynamics that impact its domestic policy agenda and external behavior
The Freeman Chair in China Studies is a leading source of insight and analysis on China’s evolving political system and the dynamics that impact its domestic policy agenda and external behavior. Our mission is to shape the public policy debate by providing timely and objective analysis that challenges the status quo and informs policymakers, the public, and corporate executives on the most important issues impacting China’s political trajectory.
Our work focuses on five key areas:
- Leadership politics
- Policy- and decisionmaking
- Party-state governance
- Political discourse and the role of ideology
- Sources of political stability and risk
CSIS Freeman Chair in China Studies was established in the late 1990s to advance the study of China and to promote understanding between the United States and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. The Freeman Chair in China Studies was founded and continues to be guided by the principles of 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
- Samuel Cestari
- Media Relations Coordinator, External Relations
- 202.775.7317
- scestari@csis.org
Current Projects
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
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China's Bird Cage Economy
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette and David Hoffman — September 5, 2024

Malaysia’s Path in a Contested Asia
Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green and Jude Blanchette — September 5, 2024

China’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Operations
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette — August 22, 2024

Sino-India Relations
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette and Manoj Kewalramani — August 8, 2024

Debating America’s “Pivot” to Asia
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette and Michael J. Green — August 6, 2024

Countering China in the Gray Zone: Lessons from Taiwan
Event — July 26, 2024
Not Just Boots on the Beach
Brief by Jude Blanchette and Hal Brands — July 25, 2024
Ambassador Nicholas Burns on the U.S.-China Relationship
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette — July 25, 2024

Ambassador Nicholas Burns on the U.S.-China Relationship
Transcript — July 25, 2024
The View from INDOPACOM
Podcast Episode by Jude Blanchette and Michael J. Green — July 24, 2024
