Hidden Reach

Hidden Reach is a CSIS special initiative that shines light on under-appreciated sources of China's far-reaching influence through open-source data and satellite imagery.

China is increasingly a global power. Its overseas interests are vast and complex, spanning every region of the world. In many places, Beijing is leveraging new sources of strength to assert its influence. Yet key elements of its far-reaching footprint remain poorly understood.

Using satellite imagery and open-source data analysis, Hidden Reach illuminates new details in the story of China’s expanding international influence, focusing on areas left out in Beijing’s official narrative.

Presented through interactive digital reports and other multimedia content, our work seeks to cut through noise and jargon to help policymakers, academics, and the interested public gain a nuanced understanding of China’s global rise.

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Featured Reports

Contributing Experts and Staff

Matthew P. Funaiole

Matthew P. Funaiole

Vice President, iDeas Lab, Andreas C. Dracopoulos Chair in Innovation and Senior Fellow, China Power Project
Brian Hart

Brian Hart

Deputy Director and Fellow, China Power Project
Jennifer Jun

Jennifer Jun

Associate Fellow and Project Manager for Imagery Analysis, iDeas Lab and Korea Chair

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U.S. Policies Only Temporarily Shake China's Shipbuilding Dominance

New U.S. policies aimed at curtailing China’s growing dominance over global shipbuilding went into effect on October 14. The rollout of these measures over the past year triggered temporary volatility in international ship ordering behavior but has not yet produced lasting change in China’s market position.

Analysis by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — October 16, 2025

Audio Briefs

Are U.S. Policies Eroding China’s Dominance in Shipbuilding?

An audio version of "⁠Are U.S. Policies Eroding China’s Dominance in Shipbuilding?⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS's Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — September 24, 2025

Audio Briefs

Are U.S. Policies Eroding China’s Dominance in Shipbuilding?

Washington is ramping up efforts to challenge China’s dominance in global shipbuilding, but newly analyzed data shows shipping companies are still turning to Chinese yards despite looming U.S. penalties.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — September 24, 2025

Beyond Rare Earths: China’s Growing Threat to Gallium Supply Chains

Two years after China imposed export controls on gallium—a critical input for semiconductors, radar, and defense systems—this brief assesses how the restrictions have impacted supply chains amid escalating U.S.-China economic competition.

Brief by Aidan Powers-Riggs, Brian Hart, Matthew P. Funaiole, Scott Thomsett, Simon Zieleniewski, and Tim Rose — July 17, 2025

At the Doorstep: A Snapshot of New Activity at Cuban Spy Sites

New satellite imagery offers an updated look at two Cuban signals intelligence sites, including construction of a new circularly disposed antenna array. The two sites are among those most likely to be supporting Chinese intelligence-gathering operations from Cuba.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, Aidan Powers-Riggs, and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — May 6, 2025

Audio Briefs

Unpacking the White House’s Executive Order on Restoring the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry

An audio version of “Unpacking the White House’s Executive Order on Restoring the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's  Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 11, 2025

Audio Briefs

Murky Waters: Navigating the Risks of China’s Dual-Use Shipyards

China’s booming dual-use shipyards are accelerating its rapid naval buildup. This Hidden Reach investigation demystifies China’s murky shipbuilding ecosystem and explores the role foreign firms play in supporting it.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — March 25, 2025

Ship Wars: Confronting China’s Dual-Use Shipbuilding Empire

China is leveraging its globally dominant commercial shipbuilding industry to support its naval modernization—and foreign companies are inadvertently helping. This report outlines how the United States and its partners can confront China's dual-use shipyards.

Report by Matthew P. Funaiole, Brian Hart, and Aidan Powers-Riggs — March 11, 2025