Brian Hart

Fellow, China Power Project
Brian Hart

Brian Hart is a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he researches the evolving nature of Chinese power. His particular research interests include Chinese foreign and security policy, Chinese military modernization, and U.S.-China technological competition. Prior to joining the China Power Project, he conducted research on Chinese politics and foreign policy for the Project 2049 Institute, the Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, and Trivium China. Brian earned his MA with honors in China studies and international economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He also has a graduate certificate in China studies ​from the SAIS Hopkins-Nanjing Center and holds a BA with honors in politics and international affairs from Wake Forest University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

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Mineral Monopoly: China’s Control over Gallium Is a National Security Threat

China has secured a virtual monopoly over gallium, a critical mineral used to produce microchips in advanced military technologies. Failing to de-risk gallium supply chains could have serious security and economic consequences for the United States and its allies.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , and Aidan Powers-Riggs — July 18, 2023

Debunking Reports of ‘Cracks’ in China’s Third Aircraft Carrier

Misinformation has spread online about China’s third aircraft carrier, with netizens posting images that purportedly show large cracks in the vessel’s deck. This ChinaPower analysis uses satellite imagery to debunk these claims.

Commentary by Brian Hart , Matthew P. Funaiole , and Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. — June 13, 2023

Changxing Island: The Epicenter of China’s Naval Modernization

Work is currently underway to transform Shanghai’s Changxing Island into a colossal “shipbuilding base.” Satellite imagery analyzed by ChinaPower shows the island’s facilities are being rapidly expanded to make room for the relocation of another shipyard.

Commentary by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , Jennifer Jun , and Samantha Lu — May 18, 2023

Analyzing China’s Escalation after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s 2023 U.S. Transit

In April 2023, after Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen transited through the United States, China responded with significant military and diplomatic measures. This ChinaPower feature analyzes Chinese activities and explores the factors impacting Beijing’s decisionmaking.

Commentary by Bonny Lin , Brian Hart , Samantha Lu , Hannah Price , and Matthew Slade — April 26, 2023

Frozen Frontiers: China’s Great Power Ambitions in the Polar Regions

Chinese scientific research and commercial investments in the Arctic and Antarctica have elevated China’s voice in polar affairs, but its growing physical footprint in the world’s most remote frontiers also advance China’s broader strategic and military interests.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. , and Aidan Powers-Riggs — April 18, 2023

Tracking China’s April 2023 Military Exercises around Taiwan

After Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen transited through the United States and held an in-person meeting with Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, China held major military exercises around Taiwan. This page tracks key Chinese activities.

Commentary by Brian Hart , Samantha Lu , Hannah Price , and Matthew Slade — April 10, 2023

Making Sense of China’s Government Budget

Chinese government budget reports provide insights into the country’s priorities and fiscal health, but they can be difficult to parse, and the topline figures only tell part of the story. This ChinaPower feature untangles the details behind China’s government budget.

Commentary by Brian Hart , Bonny Lin , Matthew P. Funaiole , Samantha Lu , Hannah Price , and Matthew Slade — March 15, 2023

Bad Idea: Equating the Threats Facing Taiwan and Ukraine

The instinct to compare Ukraine and Taiwan is understandable, and there are critical lessons to be drawn from the war in Ukraine, but the parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan should not be overdrawn.

Commentary by Hannah Price and Brian Hart — March 10, 2023

Dire Straits: China’s Push to Secure Its Energy Interests in the Middle East

To meet its vast energy needs, China is expanding its footprint along the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for transporting oil. As Beijing looks to secure its interests in the region, it may leverage commercial inroads to further military and intelligence activities.

Digital Report by Matthew P. Funaiole , Brian Hart , and Lily McElwee — February 3, 2023