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).

 

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

Henrietta Levin

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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

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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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Podcasts

All Freeman Chair in China Studies Content

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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. This event and accompanying report reviews what they found, and explores how Global South powers have a critical stake in Taiwan’s future, while Taiwan’s interests are deeply linked to its position in the Global South as well.

Event — January 28, 2026

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

Indo-Pacific Forecast 2026

Please join the CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy (GFP) Department's annual preview of political, economic, and security developments across the region.

Event — January 14, 2026

When Faith and Geopolitics Collide

The Dalai Lama is widely revered as an advocate for human rights and nonviolence, but Beijing considers him an existential threat. When the 90-year-old monk passes, a succession crisis will ignite geopolitical flashpoints that world leaders are not yet prepared to manage.

Report by Henrietta Levin and Alison Bartel — January 9, 2026

Pekingology

China's Church Divided

Henrietta Levin is joined by Paul Mariani who unpacks the Communist Party's views on religion, how the Catholic Church navigated the turbulent politics of 1980's China, and why the Vatican has renewed a controversial deal with Beijing.

Podcast Episode by Henrietta Levin — January 8, 2026

CSIS Pekingology
The Asia Chessboard

The Necessary Deepening of Japan’s Alliances

Mike speaks with Christopher Johnstone, Partner and Chair of the Defense & National Security Practice at The Asia Group. 

Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green — December 16, 2025

CSIS The Asia Chess Board