ChinaPower

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Eric Huang and Fei-fan Lin. Representing the Kuomintang (KMT) and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) respectively, they share their views on the upcoming 2024 Taiwan presidential election and Vice President Lai’s recent U.S. transit. They shed insight on the political agendas of the two parties and speak to approaches the candidates may t...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown to discuss China’s role in the fentanyl epidemic. Dr. Felbab-Brown explains that the fentanyl crisis is not just confined to the U.S. but has spread throughout North America as well as the rest of the globe. She unpacks the Chinese government’s approach to this issue and the conflicts it faces with trafficking netwo...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Pete Connolly to discuss China’s activities in the Pacific Islands, specifically Melanesia. Dr. Connolly explains that through his field research, he observed a shift in Chinese engagement in Melanesia between 2017 and 2022, indicating the strategic importance that China attaches to region. He unpacks major Chinese political and econo...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Professor Meg Rithmire to discuss U.S.-China economic relations and Secretary Janet Yellen’s recent visit to Beijing. Professor Rithmire explains that the main goal of Secretary Yellen’s visit was to convey the United States’ willingness to discuss difficult issues with Beijing and that the United States does not seek to contain or decoup...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Edward Parker to discuss China’s advancement in quantum technologies. Dr. Parker explains that China is emerging as a leader in quantum technology and has underscored it as a “strategic priority.” Dr. Parker also reveals that China is heavily invested in quantum communications, whereas the U.S. is more focused on quantum computing and...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Professor Xin Qiang and Professor Dennis Wilder to discuss how the U.S. and China could manage potential crises from elevated military activities. Both speakers emphasize that tensions between the U.S. and China are at a new high due to increased levels of strategic competition and neither side is well-prepared to handle a military collis...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Michael J. Green to discuss U.S.-China competition for influence in the Pacific Islands and broader Indo-Pacific region following President Biden’s trip to Asia. Dr. Green begins with an overview of countries’ expectations ahead of Biden’s trip. Despite Biden’s shortened trip, the trip was still substantive, maintains Dr. Green, with...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Mr. Gregory C. Allen to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), China’s thinking on AI technology, and U.S.-China competition in this realm. Mr. Allen explains that over the last decade, the approach to AI technology has greatly shifted with a new emphasis on machine learning. He describes the steps of the AI value chain and how different s...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Ms. Kari Bingen to discuss U.S.-China competition in space and Beijing’s ambitions in the domain. Ms. Bingen explains that space has become a more important domain for a variety of actors with security and economic interests. China has rapidly expanded its space program and, as Ms. Bingen details, seeks a preeminent position among countri...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Ms. Caitlin Chin to discuss the debate around TikTok in the United States and the question of China’s influence over the platform. Ms. Chin explains the conversation around the U.S.’ proposed ban of TikTok, describing that supporters worry that user information will fall into the hands of the Chinese government, while opponents worry abou...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Mr. Randall Schriver to discuss Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent transit of the United States and broader cross-Strait issues. Mr. Schriver explains the context behind President Tsai’s latest transit through the U.S. and what made this transit both in line with prior transits and unique and successful. Mr. Schriver suggests that it...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Sameer Lalwani to discuss the evolving relationship between China and Pakistan. He explains that China has accumulated major leverage over Pakistan through both economic investment and arms sales. Dr. Lalwani also details how China might seek greater access to ports in the Indian Ocean through Pakistan. Looking forward, Dr. Lalwani ar...

On this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Nicholas Borst to discuss China’s debt situation and fiscal policy. He explains that China’s debt levels have increased dramatically relative to the size of the Chinese economy and China has more debt as a proportion of GDP compared to the United States. Much of the debt is concentrated in local governments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs)...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Philip O'Keefe to discuss China’s changing demographic composition and challenges the country might face as a result. He explains that China’s falling population and low birth rates are the result of decades of population control measures, including the one-child policy. Mr. O'Keefe describes that, despite the rollback of these kinds of p...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Bonnie Glaser joins us to discuss the recent changes to U.S.-China relations. She first explains how a large Chinese surveillance balloon transited continental United States in early February 2023 with communications surveillance equipment on board, potentially collecting data from sensitive military installations. Ms. Glaser argues that Secretary Blinken...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Yanzhong Huang to discuss the impact of China’s Zero-Covid policy and how reopening has affected the country. He explains that China’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic evolved over three phases, the most recent of which occurred in December 2022 with the end of strict controls. Dr. Huang argues that mounting social and economic press...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Victor Cha to discuss the changing dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and the relationship between China and North Korea. He explains that despite outward appearances, the China-DPRK relationship is deeply fraught and not as close as it may seem. Dr. Cha reveals that between a strict Covid-19 lockdown and the sanctions imposed between 2...

This special episode of the ChinaPower Podcast is the second of two featuring the audio from the China Power Project’s seventh annual conference. This debate took place on November 17, 2022 and featured two experts debating the following proposition: "Beijing views a strong China-Russia relationship as a net strategic asset."

This special episode of the ChinaPower Podcast is the first of two featuring the audio from the China Power Project’s seventh annual conference. The first debate took place on November 17, 2022 and featured two experts debating the following proposition: "China’s 'new normal' of increased military activities in the Taiwan Strait is likely to lead to a US-China or China-Taiwan crisis/conflict in th...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Meia Nouwens and Veerle Nouwens join us to unpack the relationship between European countries and China. They begin with an overview of Europe’s relations with China, caveating that the relationship at large is similar, but different countries vary in their approaches to China. Meia explains that European views of China are shifting from seeing it as a po...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Mara Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities at the Department of Defense (DoD) joins us to discuss the latest National Defense Strategy (NDS). Dr. Karlin explains the nature of the new NDS, talking through its renewed focus on China. She states that the DoD views China as “the pacing challenge” for the U.S. milita...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Chungyan Chow joins us to discuss China’s recent 20th Party Congress. Mr. Chow explains the procedures of the Party Congress, explaining how reporters gain access and how major speeches are choreographed. He also analyzes Xi Jinping’s speech, arguing that the relative brevity of the speech, when compared to his 19th Party Congress speech, demonstrates Xi’...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Emily Benson and Gerard DiPippo join us to discuss the recent U.S. export technology controls targeting China’s access to chips. Ms. Benson and Mr. DiPippo explain these recent export control regulations and note that they will impact large portions of China’s technology industry. They also discuss the important role that U.S.-based semiconductors play in...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Susan Shirk joins us to discuss trends in China’s politics and how the U.S. can best manage its China policies. Dr. Shirk explains the recent history of China’s politics and how the political climate has shifted since the presidency of Hu Jintao. She also discusses the role of Xi Jinping within China’s government, arguing that Xi’s ongoing anti-corrup...

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Joel Wuthnow joins us to discuss emerging future trends in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Dr. Wuthnow explains the key patterns of the structure of the PLA and how it has changed under Xi in the context of increasing emphasis on military modernization. He also discusses the potential impact of the 20th Party Congress on the PLA modernization proc...