Drum Tower

Understand what the world makes of China—and what China makes of the world. The rise of China has been one of the most important developments of the past half-century. Now it wants nothing less than to reshape the global order. But the years ahead hold many challenges for the ruling Communist Party, which has grown more authoritarian at home and more assertive abroad. Each week our correspondents share their insights and observations from inside China and the places where it seeks to extend its influence.