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
- 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

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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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How Foes Can Defeat a Common Enemy: U.S.-China Collaboration to Combat Ebola
Brief by Gayle Smith — May 21, 2024

The Erosion of Hong Kong’s Autonomy Since 2020: Implications for the United States
Event — May 9, 2024
The Case for U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Podcast Episode by Caitlin Welsh, Jude Blanchette, Lily McElwee, Ryan Hass, and Ryan McElveen — May 8, 2024

The Erosion of Hong Kong’s Autonomy since 2020: Implications for the United States
Report by Scott Kennedy, Lily McElwee, and Jude Blanchette — May 7, 2024
“The Erosion of Hong Kong’s Autonomy since 2020: Implications for the United States”: Audio Brief with Scott Kennedy
Podcast Episode by Scott Kennedy — May 7, 2024

The Case for U.S.-China Cooperation on Climate-Smart Agriculture
Commentary by Caitlin Welsh, Jude Blanchette, Lily McElwee, Ryan Hass, and Ryan McElveen — May 7, 2024

The Belt and Road Initiative at 10: Challenges and Opportunities
Event — April 26, 2024
Book Event: The Mountains Are High
Event — April 23, 2024