Tim Summers works on the politics, political economy, and international relations of contemporary China. He is a (non-resident) Senior Consulting Fellow on the Asia Program at Chatham House and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Center for China Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Recent publications include an article on China’s “new silk road” for Third World Quarterly, the Chatham House research paper “China’s Global Personality” (2014), and a book, Yunnan: A Chinese Bridgehead to Asia (Chandos, 2013). Summers was a British diplomat for 13 years, including a posting as Consul-General in Chongqing from 2004 to 2007.
Last Updated: February 5, 2018
Conversation
04.24.19
Is This the End of Belt and Road, or Just the Beginning?
On April 25-27, China’s government will host the leaders of dozens of countries to celebrate the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the signature foreign policy program of Xi Jinping. Since its founding in October 2013, the BRI now covers more than 150...
Conversation
04.08.19
How Should Europe Handle Relations with China?
When Xi Jinping visited Europe in late March, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker portrayed the future of EU-China relations in mixed terms: “We are strategic partners, and yes, rivals,” he said, “but competition among us is a good...
Conversation
07.12.18
Can China Replace the U.S. in Europe?
The G7 debacle reminded Europeans the problems with relying on a fraying transatlantic partnership. Meanwhile, China has been playing a larger role on the continent, increasing its investment and its political influence. On July 6-7, Bulgaria held...
Conversation
02.05.18
Is the Belt and Road Anti-Democratic?
During her visit to Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan January 31-February 2, Prime Minister Theresa May attempted to improve her country’s trade relations with China—an increasingly important partner for the post-Brexit United Kingdom. And yet, May was...
Conversation
06.24.16
Is Europe Prepared to Deal with the China Challenge?
Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a grand tour of the western end of the “New Silk Road,” in visits to Serbia and Poland this week before he returns to Beijing via Uzbekistan, a more eastern outpost on China’s expanding 21st Century trade route. Xi...