China 中国
The “world’s factory” has long been patronized as a place of copying, rather than creativity. But in fact, since its founding, the People’s Republic has been driven by dreams of rapid modernization and innovation, with engineers turned politicians drafting policy at Zhongnanhai. Apps in China now operate at scales American entrepreneurs only dream of.
Our China issue explores the situation on the ground, from biometric surveillance of Muslims in Xinjiang to the new global map that Chinese tech is drawing.
A Brief History of the Chinese Internet
The internet has transformed China, but not in the ways that American observers expected.
The Messy Truth About Social Credit
Separating the fact from the fiction of China’s social credit system.
Pepe the Sad Frog Coloring Book and Chinese Language Guide
A meme mutation has made Pepe the Frog into an online Chinese sensation.
Crypto with Chinese Characteristics: Eric Meltzer on The New New Thing
A conversation about the booming world of Chinese blockchain.
Bubbles and Opportunities
An analysis from China’s leading cryptocurrency expert.
Busker from an Alternate Future
Imagining the future with objects available today.
Uneven and Combined Development: Hao Jingfang on Building the Future
A conversation about picturing different possibilities.
Paper Animals: Ken Liu on Writing and Translating Science Fiction
How do you make a world?