Today, Explained China is winning
177 snips
Jan 12, 2026 
John Zinn, a China analyst from the Brookings Institution, shares insights on the evolving U.S.-China relations and China's strategic maneuvers under pressure. Don Wineland, a finance editor at The Economist, discusses China's cultural exports, highlighting the global rise of LaBubu dolls and the animated hit Najjar 2. They explore how Chinese soft power is gaining traction, thanks to mid-career creators and better funding. With these shifts, China's cultural influence is set to expand significantly in the coming years.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trade Narrowing Favored China
- The Trump administration narrowed U.S.-China talks to trade imbalances and specific sectors like TikTok and soybeans.
- John Zinn says that narrower scope is a strategic win for China because it sidelines broader security issues.
China Came Prepared For Tariffs
- China prepared emotionally and materially for aggressive U.S. tariffs and export controls.
- Zinn argues that China's export-control tools, like rare-earth restrictions, proved more effective than expected.
US Rollbacks Gave China Leverage
- The Trump administration walked back some export controls and tariffs after initial escalation.
- Zinn views that rollback as a major strategic win for China because it reduced U.S. tech restrictions.