Leon Li

Research Associate, China Power Project
Leon Li

Leon Li is a research associate with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. His research interests include China’s foreign policy, bureaucracy, and power projection. Previously, he researched China’s foreign and security policies at the National Bureau of Asian Research. During his undergraduate studies, he also co-founded a student think tank. Leon earned an MA in international relations with an emphasis in China and statecraft at the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He also earned his BA from Johns Hopkins University, where he graduated with honors in international studies and psychology.

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The Purges Within China’s Military Are Even Deeper Than You Think

This CSIS China Power report is based on a groundbreaking dataset of Chinese military purges since 2022. The report sheds light on the unprecedented scope and reach of these purges and their implications for the PLA’s present and future.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — February 24, 2026

Is China Leading the Robotics Revolution?

The CSIS China Power Project examines the growing role of robots in China’s economy and the resulting geopolitical impacts from China’s transforming industrial landscape.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — February 12, 2026

Surveying the Experts: The State of U.S.-China Relations Entering 2026

The CSIS China Power Project surveyed dozens of former U.S. government officials and leading China experts on key questions relating to U.S.-China relations. This report summarizes the findings of that survey.

Commentary by Bonny Lin, Brian Hart, Truly Tinsley, and Leon Li — January 13, 2026

CRINK Security Ties: Growing Cooperation, Anchored by China and Russia

This brief utilizes data to explore the strengths and limits of security cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea (CRINK), with a focus on lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iran’s conflicts in the Middle East.

Brief by CSIS Scholars — September 30, 2025

Bullying Triggers Protests and Crackdown in China

A school bullying case sparked large, rare protests in a small Chinese city, leading to a swift police crackdown. This blog unpacks the protests and China's continued preference for suppressing dissent rather than addressing grievances.

Blog Post by Han Chen and Leon Li — August 14, 2025

How Robust Is China’s Energy Security?

Energy security is a key pillar of economic and national security. This ChinaPower feature weighs China’s main energy security vulnerabilities and strengths.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — June 4, 2025

How Severe Are China’s Food Security Challenges?

Food security is fundamentally important to China’s economic security and social stability. This ChinaPower feature explores key strengths and vulnerabilities of China’s food security.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — April 24, 2025

How Do Financial Risks Threaten China’s Economic Security?

This ChinaPower feature explores four key vulnerabilities and three strengths in China’s financial security. Taken together, they paint a cloudy picture of Beijing’s long-term prospects of becoming a global financial leader.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — March 28, 2025

China Dominates Global Manufacturing

China’s manufacturing boom has fueled decades of export-oriented economic growth, undercutting foreign competitors and contributing to a growing appetite for tariffs in the United States and Europe.

Analysis by Brian Hart, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Leon Li — January 21, 2025