New synthesis paper by SOC ACE researcher, Matthew Redhead: Velvet glove, iron fist: Understanding China's use of state threats

Focusing on Chinese State Threats, Matthew Redhead has published SOC ACE’s latest Synthesis Paper.

Velvet glove, iron fist: Understanding China's use of state threats provides an overview of the scope and scale of China’s state threat practices.

He describes a range of hostile actions, including cyber operations, information operations, repression, and intimidation. The regime employs a variety of actors - particularly within the diaspora and among state operatives - to pursue its goals.

Matthew emphasises that China is more cautious in its use of state threats than other revisionist powers, but he also warns that it has considerable capacity for greater hostile action.

He concludes with observations for policymakers.

Read the synthesis paper here, and view the Understanding State Threats SOC ACE project for further information.