Winter/Spring Intern, ASPI Center for China Analysis (Foreign Policy and National Security) – Washington D.C.

Asia Society; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Asia Society's ASPI Center for China Analysis is seeking a part-time Winter/Spring intern in Washington, D.C. to support research on China’s foreign policy and national security, track policy developments, and translate materials for summaries.

The role requires 18 hours per week for 12 weeks, with compensation $17.00–$18.40 per hour. Responsibilities include maintaining databases, assisting with fundraising proposals, and drafting concise analytical summaries for publications and events.

Qualifications

• Advanced/native fluency in English and Chinese with strong translation/writing skills.
• Strong research skills and ability to locate reliable primary/open-source materials.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Track and monitor policy developments related to China’s military and regional security.
• Compile journals, think tank publications, and official policy documents.
• Translate Chinese materials into polished English summaries.

Skills

Translation (Chinese-English)

Research skills

Editing/writing

Education

Graduate student or advanced undergraduate

Tools

Google Workspace

Airtable

Google Sheets

Job description

Winter/Spring Intern, ASPI Center for China Analysis (Foreign Policy and National Security)

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports to: Senior Fellow on Foreign Policy and National Security

Job Type: Part-time

Compensation: $17.00/hour-$18.40/hour

Schedule: January - May 2027

SUMMARY:

The Center for China Analysis (CCA) is part of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), a think- and do- tank with a policy-solving mandate that tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security and diplomacy; trade, investment, and innovation; climate and energy; and society, technology, and public health.

Established in 2022, CCA is committed to decoding China's complexities with an "inside-out" approach by offering evidence-based, independent, and policy-relevant analyses with a balanced, holistic, and human-centered focus, covering Chinese domestic politics; economy and technology; foreign policy and national security; climate, energy and the environment; society, public health, and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Track and monitor news, official statements, and policy developments related to the Chinese military, Taiwan Strait dynamics, and broader regional security trends;
• Systematically collect, review, and compile academic journals, think tank publications, and official policy documents relevant to Chinese military affairs;
• Maintain, update, and ensure the accuracy of internal databases using Airtable and Google Sheets;
• Conduct targeted, ad hoc research on China’s foreign policy, defense policy, and national security issues to support publications, briefings, events, and special projects;
• Translate Chinese-language materials (policy documents, official speeches, media coverage) into polished English summaries;
• Assist CCA fellows with administrative and proposal-writing tasks associated with fundraising, to include proposals on EU-China relations.
• Draft and edit concise analytical summaries, policy briefs, or news digests based on key developments;
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on emerging issues and project priorities
• Perform other administrative and research-related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates are expected to commit to a minimum of 18 hours per week for a period of at least 12 weeks;
• Current graduate student or advanced undergraduate, preferably with a focus on international relations, security studies, Asian studies, or related fields;
• Advanced/native fluency in both English and Chinese, with demonstrated strong translation, writing, and editing skills;
• Strong interest or academic background in Chinese military developments, cross-Strait relations, or international security issues is preferred;
• Must have the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks;
• Strong research skills with proficiency in sourcing and verifying reliable primary and open-source materials;
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and critical thinking;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and familiarity with Airtable or similar database tools is preferred;
• Must be based in the U.S., as well as have U.S. work authorization (international students are encouraged to apply).

COMPENSATION:

Interns are paid at $17.00-$18.40/per hour.

ABOUT ASIA SOCIETY:

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has thirteen other Centers around the world with a global staff of over 200.

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity in the workplace. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.